Authorities in Islamabad have taken legal action against the organizers of Aurat March for holding a demonstration on March 8 despite a ban on public gatherings.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Kohsar police station against several individuals, including prominent activist Farzana Bari, for violating Section 144.
The FIR, lodged by Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio, includes charges under Sections 188 and 341 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section 8 of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.
The complaint states that over 150 women, led by Bari, marched towards the National Press Club without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Other individuals named in the FIR include Bilal Rabani and Abdul Shakoor, the central joint secretary of the Pakistan Nazaryati Party, along with several men.
Despite efforts by police officials to prevent the demonstration, participants allegedly blocked a road, prompting legal action.
The protest’s suppression has sparked online backlash, particularly from left-wing activists who condemned the enforcement of Section 144 and the restriction on peaceful assembly.
