The District Press Club Khyber has condemned a raid by Landi Kotal police on its premises and called for an independent, transparent inquiry and legal action against those involved.
Reports say scores of masked men who identified themselves as police entered the club last evening. They allegedly searched rooms and the conference hall, then left. Club members described the episode as unlawful and a breach of the press club’s sanctity.
Emergency meeting and demands
An emergency meeting was held on Monday under President Aman Ali Shinwari, with press club members and freelance journalists present. Participants demanded an impartial investigation and action against anyone found responsible.
They restated their commitment to press freedom and said they would not compromise the independence of journalism. The meeting also urged authorities and other stakeholders to protect journalists and give them a safe environment to work without fear or interference.
Boycott until inquiry begins
The meeting unanimously decided to boycott all police-related activities and news coverage in Khyber until legal proceedings are started and an independent investigation is carried out.
Members thanked the Jamrud Press Club, the Bara Press Club, other journalists’ unions, and political and social figures who expressed solidarity with the Khyber press community.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Last evening: Masked men identifying as police allegedly entered District Press Club Khyber and searched rooms and the conference hall.
- Monday: Emergency meeting under Aman Ali Shinwari condemned the raid, demanded an independent inquiry, and voted to boycott police-related coverage in Khyber until legal action and a probe begin.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Khyber ke press club par Landi Kotal police ke naam se logon ka chhapa padne ki khabar hai. Journalists ne is ko ghalat qaraar diya aur tahqeeqat mangyi. Jab tak case aur independent inquiry shuru nahi hoti, woh police ki khabren cover nahi karenge. Is se local logon ko police se mutaliq news milne mein der ho sakti hai.
