Several Aurat March activists, including veteran activist and performer Sheema Kermani, were briefly detained by police in Karachi on Tuesday while attempting to reach the Karachi Press Club for a press conference regarding permission for their upcoming march.
Read More: Aurat March activists detained by police ahead of Women’s Day rally
According to organisers, seven activists were stopped and taken into custody as they sought to address media representatives about delays in obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) for their annual Aurat March scheduled later this week.
It is shameful how volunteers and organizers of @AuratMarchKHI were arrested when they were to hold their press conference at the Press Club in Karachi. Demanding rights and justice is not a crime. The space for civil liberties is shrinking rapidly.
— Khushal Khan (@Khushal_Khattak) May 5, 2026
They didn’t even spare people within their own system – an elected trans city councillor in KMC?
You think they will spare @AuratMarchKHI women?
Because they represent women and gender and ethnic minorities? https://t.co/UlMWe3Z9Ro— abdullah zahid (@AbdullahhZahid) May 5, 2026
Among those detained were Sheema Kermani and Karachi City Council member Shahzadi Rai. The group was later released following intervention from Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, according to reports.
Sheeran Kirmani has stood up for women and children’s rights her whole life. She has dedicated herself to promoting such strong messages through Performing Arts in rural and urban areas in Sindh. It is a shame that we are treating our cherished artists with such disrespect !
— Zahrah Sehr Vayani (@ZahrahV) May 5, 2026
The detentions triggered criticism on social media, where users questioned the handling of peaceful activists and raised concerns about civil liberties and freedom of assembly. Videos circulating online showed police officers physically moving some activists into police vehicles, prompting backlash from rights advocates and members of the public.
Any violence or humiliation against a citizen is unacceptable. Peaceful expression of opinion is a fundamental right, and it is the state’s responsibility to ensure protection and justice through lawful means. https://t.co/noxAGVCrjc
— Jameel Ahmed Panyo (@jameel_panyo) May 5, 2026
Some commentators specifically objected to footage showing Kermani being handled by police officers, calling the scenes inappropriate and concerning. Others questioned the broader implications for peaceful protest rights, particularly regarding women-led civic movements.
Sheema Kermani is a hero for many of us. Her treatment by the police is appalling and we demand her release https://t.co/NtECuZCoFy
— Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ذوالفقار علي ڀٽو (@BhuttoZulfikar) May 5, 2026
Peoples party’s democracy at display. Sheema Kirmani is 75 years old, one of the most respected woman artist in the country is being treated as if she’s a criminal. She was merely there for a press conference organised by @AuratMarchKHI pic.twitter.com/g0YFuULXnq
— Tooba Syed (@Tooba_Sd) May 5, 2026
Aurat March organisers described the detentions as an attempt to intimidate activists ahead of the planned demonstration. In statements shared after their release, organisers said they would continue pursuing legal permission for the march and would not withdraw from their demands.
strongly condemn the arrest of @AuratMarchKHI organisers + volunteers outside khi press club ahead of their press conference. does the right to assembly even exist in pakistan anymore?? why are AM folks always being blocked from public space?! @PPP_Org @CMShehbaz
— Zoya Rehman (@pind_wave) May 5, 2026
The space for civic rights & social justice has already been reduced to nothing.Even Aurat March organizers are being barred from holding press conferences & are facing arrests.
People must seriously reflect on what their country has become. https://t.co/IfTT1jBMDC
— Abdullah Abbas Baluch (@AbdulahAbbass) May 5, 2026
They also called on authorities to explain both the police action and the continued delay in issuing the NOC required for holding the public gathering.
The Aurat March, held annually in multiple cities across Pakistan, focuses on issues including women’s rights, workplace equality, violence prevention, and social justice. The event has regularly generated both support and controversy, often becoming a focal point of national debate on civic freedoms and gender rights.
Read More: Aurat March: women rally despite bid to bar protest
No formal charges were announced against the detained activists, and authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the incident.