Aurat March activists detained by police in Islamabad ahead of International Women’s Day rally

2026-03-08 - 09:13

ISLAMABAD: Several women’s rights activists, including Aurat March members, were detained by police in Islamabad ahead of a rally they planned to hold on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday. Police sources told Dawn that they were arrested from Super Market in Sector F-6, where they were gathering to begin the march. Aurat March Islamabad also shared a video on their official Instagram account, with a caption stating: “Aurat march Islamabad organisers and volunteers have been arrested by the police for organising a peaceful protest.” The video showed some women, including women’s rights activist Dr Farzana Bari, sitting inside what appeared to be a police vehicle. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.