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Female Activist Detained as Police Block Aurat March Press Conference at KPC
Karachi police detained a female rights activist outside the Press Club as Aurat March prepared to address media on alleged abduction of two Baloch girls. Tensions rose as police briefly sealed roads and confronted journalists.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-04
Female Activist Detained as Police Block Aurat March Press Conference at KPC

A tense situation unfolded outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday when police detained a female rights activist ahead of a scheduled Aurat March press conference. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) confirmed the incident through its member, Qazi Khizar.

The Karachi police had intensified security around the KPC, deploying a significant number of women personnel, according to eyewitnesses and Dawn reporters at the scene. Roads leading to the press club were briefly cordoned off, though traffic flow resumed within about an hour.

The press conference was scheduled for 3pm and was to address the alleged abduction of two Baloch girls — an incident activists say requires urgent attention.

Senior journalist Dodal Chandio, writing on Facebook, said police had “stopped the Aurat March women who were to hold a press conference” outside the KPC. He also alleged that police “misbehaved” with prominent activist and classical dancer Sheema Kirmani.

In a video shared by Chandio, Kirmani could be heard reprimanding the police: “You have no right to touch me. How dare you touch me?” The video also showed policewomen detaining another woman, with Kirmani explaining that the individual was a reporter. As officers pulled at the woman’s hand, she protested: “Let go of my hand. This is not a legal process.”

The identity of the detained activist was not immediately confirmed, and police have yet to issue an official statement despite multiple attempts by Dawn to obtain a comment.

Previous Crackdowns on Protests at KPC

This is not the first time the Karachi police have intervened in protests or press gatherings near the Karachi Press Club.

·       On November 21, police detained several individuals attempting to participate in a demonstration organised by the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

·       Earlier, in March, six activists were detained at Fawara Chowk as members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) attempted to march toward the KPC to protest arrests of their leadership.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised such actions as attempts to curb freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Further details on today's detentions, and whether the Aurat March press conference will be rescheduled, are expected once police issue an official response.
Tagged:

HumanRights

PoliceAction

KarachiPressClub

AuratMarch
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