Rural Media Network Pakistan Condemns Attack on National Press Club Islamabad
RMNP President Ehsan Ahmed Sehar demands impartial inquiry and strict action against responsible officials
The Rural Media Network Pakistan (RMNP) has expressed grave concern and outrage over the shocking incident in Islamabad where police forcibly entered the National Press Club, vandalized its cafeteria, and subjected journalists to physical assault. RMNP has termed the incident a direct assault on press freedom and a dangerous precedent for democratic traditions in Pakistan.
Ehsan Ahmed Sehar, President RMNP, said,
“The National Press Club is not just a building; it is the collective voice and meeting place of journalists from across the country. Any attack on its sanctity is an attack on the entire community of journalists. Such incidents not only undermine press freedom but also erode the foundations of democracy itself.”
He emphasized that journalists in Pakistan are already working under difficult conditions, and such blatant violations only increase the risks they face in their professional duties. RMNP has therefore demanded a full, impartial, and transparent inquiry into the incident, and urged the government to ensure that all responsible officials are identified and subjected to the strictest disciplinary action.
RMNP also highlighted that such attacks damage Pakistan’s image internationally, as freedom of the press remains a key pillar of democratic societies worldwide. “A free press is indispensable to democracy, and any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists will not be tolerated,” Mr. Sehar added.
The organization reaffirmed its complete solidarity with journalists in Islamabad and across Pakistan, stressing that no amount of intimidation can deter media professionals from their commitment to truth and accountability. RMNP vowed to continue standing by the journalist community in defending press freedom at all costs.
Issued by: Rural Media Network Pakistan (RMNP)
