Human rights advocates argue that laws linked to national security are increasingly used to deter criticism.
FILE: Activists of the ‘Aurat March’ group participate in a demonstration to commemorate Pakistan’s National Women’s Day, in Lahore on February 12, 2025 PHOTO: AFP
Participants in an International Women’s Day march in Pakistan’s capital say they were detained and mistreated by police, as rights groups warn of a growing crackdown on dissent.
Mavra Bari, a 36-year-old sociologist, said she had planned to join the celebrations in Islamabad on March 8, but instead spent about 12 hours in detention.
“What was going to be a celebration turned into a horrible experience,” he said, describing a crowded detention area with poor sanitary conditions and dozens of detainees, including women, men and children. “We were defeated.”
More than 30 people were arrested, according to reports from those present. A AFP The journalist saw the detainees after their release, some of whom appeared shaken and showed visible bruising and swelling.
Outside the police station, a man said his daughter had only come to watch the march. “She didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.
Official stance and concern for rights
The arrests came despite public support for women’s empowerment expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said on March 8 that women’s rights are fundamental to national development.
Human rights organizations, however, say these types of incidents reflect a broader pattern. Amnesty International has warned of a “shrinking space for dissent,” citing arbitrary arrests and restrictions on peaceful assembly.
Authorities often do not clearly explain the reasons for arrests, activists say.
National security concerns cited
Human rights advocates argue that laws linked to national security are increasingly used to deter criticism.
Usama Khilji said authorities often view dissent as a security issue. “Anyone can be punished,” he said.
Human Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, forced disappearances, and legal pressure against activists, journalists, and lawyers.
Among the high-profile cases is Imaan Mazari, known for tackling sensitive human rights cases, who is currently imprisoned along with her husband for alleged anti-state activity on social media.
Media under pressure
Press freedom groups say journalists also face increasing risks.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least seven journalists were killed in Pakistan in 2024, while others faced harassment or detention.
Sehrish Qureshi said she was detained when she went to a police station to ask about her colleagues detained during the march. “They detained me for no reason,” he said.
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Reporters Without Borders has also expressed concern about increasing pressure on independent media and stricter controls on information.
Harris Khalique of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described the recent restrictions as “draconian.”
Activists unfazed
Police later told those arrested that they had violated a law restricting gatherings of more than four people.
Days after the arrests, a large demonstration to mark Al-Quds Day was held in Islamabad without a similar intervention, according to activists.
Despite the risks, many participants say they remain committed to speaking out.
“At first I was scared,” Bari said. “We didn’t know why they arrested us or what they would do to us.”
Others echoed that sentiment, saying the experience would not deter them from activism in the future.
