Karachi police briefly detained seven Aurat March activists on Tuesday as they made their way to the Karachi Press Club for a press conference about their efforts to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for their scheduled march this Sunday.
Among those detained were veteran dancer and activist Sheema Kermani and Karachi City Council member Shahzadi Rai, who is also a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party. All seven were released later in the day on the orders of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar.
Upon their release, the activists walked straight to the Press Club and held their press conference regardless.
The detentions triggered immediate backlash from Pakistan’s entertainment industry and civil society, with several prominent figures speaking out on social media.
Actor and director Sarmad Khoosat shared the video on his Instagram stories writing, “Shame on you.”
Actress Sania Saeed wrote, “These were peaceful protesters. Shame on the authorities. No warrants, no explanation. Sheema ji and the 7 activists were detained for hours but upon their release they walked straight back to that press club and held their press conference anyway.”
Actress Fazila Qazi stated, “I was literally shocked and upset at the same time after watching the video of what happened to you and the other ladies. This is totally unacceptable behaviour from Sindh police. No respect for ladies, such a shameful act!”
Veteran actress Bushra Ansari wrote, “So sad and ashamed of this treatment. This has become so horrible.”
Actor Mahir Khan reshared footage of the incident on his Instagram story.
Clips of Kermani being manhandled by police personnel and pushed into the back of a police car drew particular outrage. Activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr was among those who condemned the visuals directly.
Many online questioned how police could treat a member of the ruling PPP in this manner, and what that meant for ordinary citizens or non-party members facing the same situation.
Aurat March organisers called the detentions a “scare tactic” and demanded a government explanation for both the arrests and the delay in issuing their NOC.
They said they “will not back down” from their demand to hold the protest in Karachi.
