Islamabad – Islamabad police on Sunday arrested 11 women and three men for allegedly violating Section 144 during a rally organized under the banner of Aurat March, officials confirmed.
According to Express News, the arrests occurred in Sector F-6, where participants had gathered for the event. Organizers had announced plans to march from F-6 to D-Chowk. Police temporarily blocked the road during the arrests, reopening it after the detainees were taken into custody.
The NOC Dispute
District administration officials stated that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been issued for the event and that Section 144, which restricts public gatherings, was in force in the city.
However, Aurat March organizers pushed back, asserting that they had submitted an application for an NOC to the deputy commissioner approximately one month ago. They claim the office never formally rejected their request, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Qazi Ali Raza confirmed that key leaders of the Aurat March and several supporters were being held at the G-7 police station. He stated that individuals who later gathered at the police station to protest were also detained for allegedly interfering with official duties, and legal action would be taken under Section 188.
Aurat March Condemns Arrests
In a strongly worded statement on X, the Aurat March Islamabad condemned the arrests and demanded the immediate release of those detained.
“Today the organisers, volunteers, and participants of Aurat March Islamabad gathered outside F-6 Mr Books, and were violently and brutally arrested before the protest, scheduled at 1pm, even began,” the statement read.
The organisers alleged that family members and supporters who later went to the police station to check on those arrested were also taken into custody.
A Message Silenced
According to the statement, the protest was intended to be a peaceful demonstration with two primary goals:
- Condemning the “US-Israel attack on Iran”
- Highlighting violence against women, children, and minority communities
“It is ironic that on International Women’s Day, Islamabad Police has decided to silence the women’s resistance,” the statement said, condemning the arrests of participants who were peacefully exercising their right to protest.
“The detention of those who even went to the police station to seek the release of their comrades is deeply unjust and unacceptable,” the statement added.
Call for Release
The organisers urged participants to disperse and return home to avoid further arrests, stating that efforts were underway to secure the release of those in custody and to challenge the matter through legal means.
“It is shameful that feminist organisers cannot even organise a peaceful rally on International Women’s Day,” the statement concluded.
