Dr Farzana Bari, 24 Others Held in Islamabad Protest

News Desk
Islamabad: At least 25 women’s rights activists, including prominent figures associated with the Aurat March, were taken into custody on Sunday while attempting to assemble in the federal capital to mark International Women’s Day, according to reports.
The detentions occurred at Super Market in Sector F-6, where participants had gathered for a planned rally. Police said the arrests were carried out under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people in Islamabad to maintain public order.
Following the police action, the activists were moved to the Women Police Station in G-7 Markaz. Law enforcement authorities stated that the gathering was considered an unauthorised violation of standing administrative orders.

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Organisers of the Aurat March documented the incident on social media, sharing footage showing several activists, including Dr Farzana Bari, inside police vehicles. The group asserted that their volunteers and organisers were seeking to hold a peaceful demonstration.
Representatives of the movement claimed that family members and legal counsel were initially denied access to the detained activists. Human rights organisations are monitoring the situation, urging authorities for the immediate release of those in custody.
Police confirmed that no first information report (FIR) had yet been registered and indicated that the women could be released following standard procedures.