Aurat March leaders, civil society members, and rights activists have criticized Pakistani authorities for allegedly mistreating and threatening them, as well as compelling them to sign unreasonable affidavits. This condemnation follows the arrest of several women’s rights activists, including Aurat March members, by Islamabad police before a planned rally on International Women’s Day. The group held a press conference at the National Press Club, calling for an investigation into the incident and demanding action against those responsible.
Farzana Bari, a prominent activist detained alongside her daughters, emphasized the annual nature of the march and the rejection of laws that infringe upon basic rights. Despite the imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital, the civil society asserted its right to protest, citing global demonstrations on the same day. Over 40 participants of Aurat March were released by the police on Monday, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressing concerns over the treatment of the detainees.
Haris Khaliq, Secretary General of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, highlighted the alleged mistreatment of the detained women, including physical violence and coercion to sign false affidavits. He called for an investigation into the matter and disciplinary measures against those involved. A lawyer named Kashmala recounted her experience of being detained and mistreated by policewomen when she attempted to meet the protesters, underscoring the unsanitary conditions and overcrowding in the lockup.
One of the detained leaders questioned the authorities’ failure to inform them of security threats beforehand and their prohibition on holding the march. She described the ordeal of being detained, denied contact with relatives, and witnessing mistreatment of girls of various ages. The detained individuals were reportedly subjected to confinement in vehicles and a police station, leading to health issues and discomfort due to overcrowding.
