Islamabad: The organisers of Aurat March Islamabad have accused the Islamabad Police of assaulting participants as they marched towards D-Chowk from the Islamabad Press Club on Friday. The march, held under the theme ‘Resistance and Hope’, saw participants protesting in support of Palestine while dancing to Palestinian songs.
On International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on Friday, special events were organised in Pakistan as well. However, reports emerged that the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) had placed barbed wires at the site where Aurat March and Haya March were being held simultaneously.
In a video released later, Aurat March Islamabad alleged that the police manhandled and beat up participants. Meanwhile, in Karachi, the Aurat March gathered at Fawar Chowk near Saddar Market, with the ‘Aurat Ehtajaji Mela and March’ scheduled to commence from Frere Hall and conclude at Teen Talwar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significance of women and their contributions to Pakistan, acknowledging various women figures throughout history, from Fatima Jinnah to Malala Yousafzai. He pledged his government’s commitment to prioritizing women’s rights.
The Aurat March was organized in three cities across Pakistan. In Lahore, the march began at the Press Club and proceeded to Faletti’s hotel, with participants encouraged to wear red and black attire and bring Palestinian flags. Additionally, on the eve of Women’s Day, Women Democratic organized a Mashal March in Larkana, where women marched with lanterns in hand.
