In Islamabad, law enforcement officials detained at least 25 activists associated with the Aurat March as they gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day on Sunday. The arrests occurred at Super Market in Sector F-6, a popular area where the group had planned to hold a rally advocating for women’s rights and gender equality. This marked a tense moment as the activists sought to exercise their right to peaceful assembly amid strict regulatory measures.
The detained individuals included several well-known figures within the women’s rights movement, highlighting the significance of the event and the authorities’ firm response. After the police intervention, the activists were transported to the Women Police Station located in G-7 Markaz. Officials justified the detentions by citing a breach of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a legal provision currently enforced in Islamabad that prohibits gatherings of more than three people to prevent public disorder.
Section 144 has frequently been invoked in the capital to restrict public assemblies, especially those deemed politically sensitive or potentially disruptive. In this case, police labeled the Aurat March gathering as an unauthorized assembly, emphasizing the government’s intent to maintain public order during a period of heightened social activism. The move sparked immediate reactions from the activists and their supporters, who argued that their protest was peaceful and within their constitutional rights.
The Aurat March Islamabad organisers took to their official social media platforms to document the police crackdown, sharing videos that showed several activists, including prominent human rights advocate Dr. Farzana Bari, inside police vehicles. These visuals underscored the confrontational nature of the incident and drew widespread attention to the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Pakistan. The organisers condemned the arrests, asserting that their volunteers and leaders were targeted simply for attempting to hold a lawful demonstration.
Following the detentions, concerns were raised over the treatment of those in custody. Representatives of the group claimed that authorities were limiting access to the detainees, preventing family members and legal representatives from meeting with them. This restriction has further fueled criticism from human rights organisations, which continue to monitor the situation closely and have called for the immediate release of all arrested activists.
Meanwhile, police officials stated that no first information report (FIR) had been registered against the detained women as of yet, leaving open the possibility of their release. The incident reflects the broader challenges faced by civil society groups in Pakistan when organizing public demonstrations, especially on sensitive issues such as gender equality and women’s rights. It also highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
