Aurat March participants call for inquiry into police action after release

ISLAMABAD: More than 40 participants of the Aurat March, who were detained by police, were released on Monday. Following their release, march leaders, civil society members, and rights activists held a press conference to voice their concerns over the authorities' handling of the event.

During the media briefing at the National Press Club, the group criticized the administration for what they described as "manhandling and threatening" marchers, as well as compelling them to sign affidavits they considered unreasonable. The speakers demanded a thorough investigation into the police action and called for accountability for those responsible.

Dr Farzana Bari, a prominent rights activist, addressed the press conference and stated that the Aurat March is an annual event. She acknowledged that Section 144 had been imposed in the federal capital but argued, "civil society does not accept any law which is in violation of basic rights. You cannot take away our right to protest." Dr Bari further noted that similar demonstrations were taking place globally, but participants in Islamabad were prevented from marching due to warnings about a potential suicide bomber threat. "We were stopped by the threat that a suicide bomber had come and that it might blow up," she said.

Meanwhile, Talal Chaudhry commented on the situation, justifying the arrests and suggesting that there was a deliberate attempt to create a disturbance.

The press conference concluded with renewed calls from the Aurat March leadership and supporting activists for an impartial inquiry into the events and for measures to be taken against those found responsible for the police action.