‘State violence’: Aurat March organisers, HRCP condemn crackdown after Islamabad detentions

ISLAMABAD: Women’s rights activists and representatives of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) addressed a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday, condemning what they described as state violence against participants of the Aurat March during International Women’s Day events in the capital. HRCP representative Khushhal Khan said the police action against women protesters was “highly condemnable,” calling for accountability.

Aurat March organiser Dr Farzana Bari said women had gathered on March 8, as they do every year, to advocate for their rights. She told reporters that organisers had applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) nearly six weeks in advance but were not granted permission. “Every year we come out to raise our voices for women’s rights,” she said, adding that activists went ahead with the march despite restrictions because the movement was part of a broader global struggle marked on International Women’s Day.

HRCP Secretary General Haris Khalique described Aurat March as a social movement rather than a single annual event. While stressing that the organisation does not encourage breaking the law, he argued that unjust laws should be challenged. Khalique said the reports of police mistreatment were deeply troubling, alleging that young participants had been manhandled and that some detainees were pressured to sign what activists described as “fake affidavits.”

Several organisers detailed their experiences during the arrests. Aurat March organiser Zainab Jalil said activists were detained despite remaining peaceful. According to her, some participants were invited inside police stations under the pretext of dialogue and then taken into custody. Activists alleged that dozens of people were kept in overcrowded holding cells and that women, including pregnant participants, were subjected to harsh treatment.

“I went to the police station yesterday only to express solidarity. I am 73 years old, yet I was still detained,” Tahira Abdullah said, adding that lawyer Kashmala faced “extreme violence” during the arrests. “Around 35 women and 35 men were taken into custody.”

HRCP representatives demanded an independent inquiry into the incident and action against those responsible for the alleged violence. Activists insisted the crackdown would not silence them. “We will continue our struggle,” speakers said at the press conference, emphasising that women’s rights movements across the world were facing similar challenges but would persist despite pressure.