Detention of Women’s Day Protesters in Pakistan Raises Human Rights Concerns Despite Later Release

Human Rights Research Center
27 minutes ago
3 min read

March 17, 2026

HRRC condemns the detention of peaceful International Women’s Day protesters and journalists in Islamabad, noting that the incident raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights – especially freedom of assembly – in Pakistan.

Police personnel dressed in plain clothes detain activists of the women's rights group Aurat March, upon their arrival ahead of a rally on International Women's Day in Islamabad on March 8, 2026. [Image credit: Aamir Qureshi / AFP]

On Sunday, March 8, Islamabad police detained dozens of activists and journalists ahead of a planned International Women’s Day rally organised by Aurat March. Authorities stated that the arrests were made because Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits public gatherings, was in force in the federal capital and the organisers had not been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event.

Participants had gathered in Sector F-6, an upscale district of Islamabad, with plans to march toward the National Press Club and D-Chowk (an important square in the city) when police intercepted the group and detained demonstrators. Multiple people, including activists, students, organizers and prominent women’s rights figures such as Dr Farzana Bari, were taken into custody and transported to the Women Police Station in G-7 Markaz, a separate Islamabad district.

Reports indicate that approximately 44 individuals, including both men and women, were detained during the police action. Three journalists covering the rally were also taken into custody, \ drawing criticism from international and local media organisations including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).

The incident has sparked concerns over violations of human rights, freedom of protest, and press freedom in Pakistan. Human rights groups and Aurat March organisers alleged that police used excessive force during the arrests. Activists claimed they were physically assaulted, harassed and temporarily denied access to legal counsel and family members while in custody. Some reports also alleged that relatives and supporters who arrived at the police station to check on detainees were briefly detained as well.

Authorities defended the operation, saying the gathering violated legal restrictions of assembly under Section 144 and posed potential security risks.

All detained activists and journalists were later released following public pressure and intervention by political and civil society figures, but rights organisations maintain that the incident raises serious concerns and represents a troubling development against democratic freedoms and the protection of human rights in Pakistan.

Glossary

Activists – Individuals who work to bring about social or political change.
Affidavit – A written statement confirmed by oath and used as legal evidence.
Assembly – A gathering of people for a specific purpose, such as a protest.
Civil liberties – Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens, including freedom of expression and protest.
Civil Society – the "third sector" of society, comprising non-governmental organizations, community groups, unions, and non-profits that operate independently of government (state) and for-profit (market) sectors.
Condemnation – Strong public criticism or disapproval.
Constitutional rights – Rights guaranteed to citizens under a country’s constitution.
Contingent – A group of people assigned for a particular duty.
Custody – the legal right, responsibility, or physical control over a person (typically a child) or property, often arising in divorce or criminal contexts.
Detained – Officially held or kept in custody by authorities.
Draconian – Extremely harsh or severe measures or laws.
Harassment – Unwanted behaviour that causes distress or intimidation.
Interception – Stopping someone before they reach their destination.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) – Official permission issued by authorities allowing an event or activity.
Press freedom – the protected right to freely publish communications and expressions of opinions through various forms of media.
Section 144 – A legal provision that allows authorities to ban public gatherings in order to maintain public order.

References

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Detention of Women’s Day Protesters in Pakistan Raises Human Rights Concerns Despite Later Release

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