Pakistan Faces Backlash Over Detention of Women Activists Before Aurat March

• Islamabad police detained women activists ahead of an Aurat March rally for International Women’s Day.
• Police cited Section 144 and lack of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for declaring the assembly unlawful and making arrests.
• The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) expressed serious concern and condemned the “inhumane and indecent” treatment.
• NCSW stated detentions violated constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
• The commission urged safe custodial conditions, dignity, due process, and legal representation for detainees.