KARACHI: A heavy police presence outside the Karachi Press Club on Thursday stopped Aurat March organisers from holding their planned press conference and resulted in the detention of a female human rights activist.
The group had gathered to highlight the alleged enforced disappearance of several women, including Mahjabeen Baloch and 15-year-old Nasreen Baloch. Tensions rose when veteran activist Sheema Kermani was confronted by female police personnel attempting to prevent the gathering.
Speaking to reporters, Kermani criticised the police for obstructing their efforts to demand “the immediate recovery of missing women.” She accused authorities of instructing them to cancel the event even before they reached the venue, asking why they were being stopped and alleging that police “were misbehaving.”
Aurat March leader Muneeza Ahmed also condemned the police response, questioning what kind of environment was being created in the city. She stated that 15-year-old Nasreen had been detained in Hub, and that her family had been unable to attend or speak at the press conference. She added that the event was also meant to raise awareness about Mahjabeen’s disappearance from Quetta. Ahmed said another member of their group, Sarah, was taken into custody during the standoff.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan representative Qazi Khizar voiced concern over the authorities’ approach, saying the security forces seemed “fearful of these brave young women.” He described the surrounding area as sealed off “from all sides,” calling the situation troubling. Khizar warned that picking up citizens violated fundamental rights and stressed that the state had to adhere to constitutional principles.
Aurat March leader Alfiya Sohail urged authorities to ensure the immediate recovery of both Mahjabeen and Nasreen and to present them before the public without delay.
