Aurat March arrests in Islamabad took place on Sunday when police detained 14 people during a rally in the federal capital. Officials said the arrests were made for allegedly violating Section 144, which bans public gatherings.
Police confirmed that 11 women and three men were taken into custody. The arrests happened in Sector F-6, where participants had gathered for the Aurat March rally.
According to authorities, the organisers had planned to march from F-6 to D-Chowk. Police briefly blocked the road during the operation and reopened it after the detainees were moved to police custody.
District administration officials said the rally did not have a No Objection Certificate (NOC). They added that Section 144 was already imposed in the city, restricting public gatherings and protests.
However, Aurat March organisers said they had submitted a request for an NOC to the deputy commissioner about a month ago. They said the administration never formally rejected their application.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Qazi Ali Raza said several key leaders and supporters of the march were shifted to the G-7 police station. He confirmed that the arrests were made due to violation of Section 144.
The officer also stated that some people who later gathered outside the police station to protest were detained. Police said they allegedly interfered with official duties and could face legal action under Section 188.
Organisers condemn the arrests
In a statement on social media, Aurat March Islamabad strongly criticised the arrests. The organisers claimed that volunteers and participants were detained before the protest could begin.
According to the statement, the rally was scheduled to start at 1pm outside F-6 Mr Books. Organisers said police carried out the arrests before the demonstration began.
They also alleged that family members and supporters who visited the police station to check on detainees were also taken into custody.
The organisers said the protest was meant to be peaceful. It aimed to raise concerns about violence against women, children and minority communities.
The statement added that the demonstration was also planned to condemn the “US-Israel attack on Iran”.
The organisers said it was unfortunate that the arrests happened on International Women’s Day. They demanded the immediate release of all detained participants and volunteers.
Aurat March organisers also advised supporters to disperse and return home to avoid further arrests. They said efforts were underway to secure the release of those detained and to challenge the matter through legal channels.
