Web Desk: Police took into custody at least 25 women’s rights activists, including several prominent figures associated with the Aurat March, as they assembled to observe International Women’s Day in the federal capital on Sunday, The News reported.
The detentions took place at the Super Market in Sector F-6, where participants had begun to assemble for a planned rally. Following the police action, the activists were moved to the Women Police Station in G-7 Markaz.
Law enforcement officials said that the arrests were made due to a violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which is currently in effect in Islamabad.
This legal provision restricts the assembly of four or more persons to maintain public order. Police confirmed that the gathering was considered an unauthorised breach of these standing administrative orders.
The Aurat March Islamabad organisers documented the police intervention through their official social media channels, sharing footage that showed several activists, including Dr Farzana Bari, being held inside police vehicles. In a statement accompanying the video, the group maintained that their volunteers and organisers were arrested for attempting to hold a peaceful protest.
