ISLAMABAD: Several women’s rights activists, including prominent organiser Dr Farzana Bari, were detained by police in Islamabad on Sunday ahead of the planned Aurat March rally marking International Women’s Day. According to police sources, the activists were taken into custody from the Super Market area in Sector F-6 while gathering to begin their march towards the National Press Club.

Authorities stated that the arrests were made because Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was in effect in the federal capital, restricting public gatherings of more than four people. The district administration had also reportedly denied a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the march, declaring the gathering unlawful.

Police further said that tensions were likely as Lal Masjid management had threatened to oppose the rally, raising concerns about potential clashes. As a result, the participants were taken to the Women’s Police Station to prevent any law-and-order situation.

Aurat March organisers strongly condemned the detentions, describing them as a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful protest. They demanded the immediate release of the activists and criticised the authorities for detaining women on International Women’s Day.

Political and civil society groups, including the PPP Human Rights Cell, also condemned the action, warning that suppressing peaceful demonstrations could undermine democratic freedoms in the country.