Aurat March activists detained in Islamabad ahead of International Women’s Day rally

ISLAMABAD: Several women’s rights activists, including members of the Aurat March, were detained by police in Islamabad on Sunday as they prepared to hold a rally marking International Women’s Day.

Police sources cited by Dawn said the activists were taken into custody from Super Market in Sector F-6, where they had gathered to commence the march. The detentions took place while Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was in effect across the federal capital. This legal provision authorizes the district administration to prohibit gatherings and public assemblies in order to maintain public order.

Aurat March Islamabad shared a video on their official Instagram account, showing several women, including prominent women’s rights activist Dr Farzana Bari, seated inside what appeared to be a police vehicle. The caption accompanying the video stated: “Aurat March Islamabad organisers and volunteers have been arrested by the police for organising a peaceful protest.”

Police sources confirmed to Dawn that Dr Farzana Bari was among those detained. They explained that the arrests were made due to the ongoing enforcement of Section 144, which restricts public gatherings in the city.

The Aurat March is an annual event held in various cities across Pakistan to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. The detentions in Islamabad occurred as activists attempted to begin their rally ahead of International Women’s Day, which is observed globally on March 8.