The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and AEMEND have strongly condemned the police raid on the Islamabad Press Club and the violence against journalists, labeling it an act of terrorism.

In a joint statement, the journalist bodies said this attack is part of a continuing series of actions against media professionals. They demanded immediate action against those responsible for the incident.

The statement also criticized recent government advertisements titled “What is the shape of war now?”—which allegedly use threatening language and place reporters, freelancers, and social organizations under the category of “anti-state elements.”

The journalist unions said these actions aim to defame, intimidate, and silence the press. They urged the government to immediately stop such campaigns.

They added that Pakistani journalists have always acted responsibly, safeguarding national interests and ideological boundaries, and equating them with terrorists is a direct violation of press freedom.

The joint statement further highlighted the misuse of the PECA Act, which has validated journalists’ fears. Dozens of reporters face PECA-related cases across the country—an effort to suppress critics and restrict freedom of expression.

The journalist bodies reaffirmed that they strongly oppose fake or fabricated news, but warned that using such excuses to create an environment of fear and harassment is unacceptable. They vowed to resist these actions at every level and to pursue all constitutional and legal options to defend press freedom