Police detain Aurat March activists during Women’s Day gathering in Islamabad
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Police detained at least 25 women’s rights activists, including several prominent figures associated with the Aurat March movement, as they gathered to observe International Women’s Day in Islamabad on Sunday.
According to officials, the detentions took place at the busy Super Market in Sector F-6, where participants had begun assembling for a planned rally marking the global day dedicated to women’s rights and gender equality.
Following the police action, the activists were taken into custody and shifted to the Women Police Station G-7.
Law enforcement authorities stated that the arrests were made due to a violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which is currently imposed in the federal capital.
Section 144 prohibits the assembly of four or more individuals in a public space and is typically enforced to maintain public order and prevent potential disturbances.
Police officials confirmed that the gathering was considered an unauthorised assembly under the prevailing administrative restrictions.
Activists document police action
Organisers of the Aurat March Islamabad chapter shared footage of the police intervention through their official social media platforms.
The videos showed several activists being escorted into police vehicles as officers dispersed the gathering.
Among those seen in the footage was prominent academic and rights campaigner Farzana Bari, who has been associated with the women’s rights movement in Pakistan for many years.
In a statement accompanying the video, Aurat March organisers said their volunteers and participants had gathered peacefully to mark International Women’s Day and to raise awareness about gender equality issues.
They alleged that the activists were detained while attempting to organise a peaceful protest.
Concerns over access to detainees
Following the incident, representatives of the movement claimed that authorities were restricting access to those held in custody.
According to the organisers, family members and legal representatives were initially prevented from meeting the detained activists at the police station.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups have since begun monitoring the situation and have called for the immediate release of the detainees.
The incident has once again drawn attention to tensions between authorities and activists organising public demonstrations related to women’s rights in the country.
Police position
Police officials said the detentions were carried out as a preventive measure to enforce the law and ensure public order.
They noted that Section 144 had already been imposed in Islamabad, and any public gathering without official permission would be considered a violation of the regulation.
Officials added that no formal case had yet been registered against the detained women.
According to police sources, the first information report (FIR) had not been filed because authorities were considering releasing the activists later.
“The situation is under review, and the detained individuals may be released,” a police official said.
Aurat March and Women’s Day events
The Aurat March has become one of the most visible platforms advocating for women’s rights and social justice in Pakistan.
Each year on International Women’s Day, activists organise marches, rallies and discussions across several cities to highlight issues such as gender discrimination, workplace inequality, violence against women and access to healthcare and education.
However, these gatherings have often sparked controversy and faced resistance from conservative groups and authorities in different parts of the country.
Despite these challenges, organisers say they remain committed to continuing their advocacy efforts.
As of Sunday evening, discussions between activists, legal representatives and authorities were ongoing regarding the release of the detained participants.
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