Three police officers suspended over Aurat March crackdown in Karachi

KARACHI: The Sindh government has suspended three police officers over the alleged use of force and unlawful detention of Aurat March organisers, including Sheema Kermani, as well as women and transgender activists outside the Karachi Press Club.

The action was taken on the directives of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar after an inquiry was conducted into the incident involving Kermani and at least 15 women activists, according to official sources.

The inquiry found that South police carried out the operation without obtaining prior approval from senior authorities. The investigation also examined video footage of the arrests made outside the Karachi Press Club.

Following the findings of the inquiry, Saddar DSP Nasir Afridi, Women police station SHO Hina Mughal, and Artillery Maidan police station SHO Nadeem Haider were suspended from service.

The home minister has also ordered a further probe into the matter.

Government response

In a statement, Lanjar said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of authority and said the dignity and rights of women would be protected at all costs.

The incident took place on Tuesday when police allegedly used force to detain Kermani and her companions as they arrived at the Karachi Press Club to address a press conference related to the Aurat March.

The official action comes after the inquiry reviewed the circumstances surrounding the police operation and the treatment of the activists. The suspension order applies to the three officers identified in the findings, while the additional investigation ordered by the home minister is expected to further examine the episode.

The case centres on the events outside the press club, where Aurat March organisers and activists had gathered before the detentions took place. Among those named in the report was Sheema Kermani, while the inquiry also covered the handling of at least 15 women activists.

According to the findings cited by official sources, the key issue identified in the inquiry was that the operation had been conducted without prior clearance from higher authorities. The review of video material formed part of the process that led to the suspensions.

Lanjar’s statement linked the disciplinary action to the government’s stated position on abuse of power and the protection of women’s rights. The matter remains under further investigation following the minister’s order for an additional probe.