Activists briefly detained during Aurat March outside NPC

2026-03-08 - 20:54

Several activists participating in the Aurat March were briefly detained by Islamabad police outside the National Press Club (NPC) on Sunday for allegedly violating Section 144 imposed in the federal capital. The demonstrators, including voices from human rights groups, minority communities, women’s organisations and representatives of under-privileged classes, had gathered to mark the annual Aurat March and raise demands for gender equality and social justice. Police officials said the participants were taken into custody for holding a public assembly despite the restrictions in place. However, the detainees were later released. The march was led by prominent human rights activists Tahira Abdullah and Dr Farzana Bari. Participants were carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for equal opportunities for women, protection from workplace harassment and an end to all forms of discrimination and violence against women. The protesters assembled near the National Press Club where they attempted to hold a brief demonstration to highlight women’s rights issues. Police personnel present at the site intervened and detained several participants, citing the ban on public gatherings under Section 144. Officials maintained that the action was taken purely to enforce the law and maintain public order in the capital. Section 144, which restricts public gatherings, had been imposed in Islamabad amid heightened security concerns in recent days. Earlier, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Memon had warned the organisers against staging the gathering. In a letter addressed to Dr Farzana Bari on March 6, 2026, district administration informed the organisers that any assembly outside National Press Club would be considered unlawful due to the enforcement of Section 144 in the city.