ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has strongly condemned the reported detention and alleged indecent treatment of women activists and leaders by Islamabad Police ahead of a planned rally organised under the banner of Aurat March to mark International Women’s Day.
In a statement issued in Islamabad, the Commission said it had taken serious notice of reports that several women activists, including prominent women’s rights defenders, were taken into custody near Super Market in Sector F-6 while they were gathering to proceed towards the National Press Club.
According to reports, the authorities cited the enforcement of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the gathering as grounds for declaring the assembly unlawful and making the arrests.
The Commission expressed concern over what it described as inhumane and indecent treatment reportedly meted out to women leaders and activists who have long been engaged in advocating for women’s rights in Pakistan. It noted that these individuals have contributed significantly to promoting justice, equality and dignity for women, and said subjecting them to degrading or disrespectful treatment was deeply troubling and unacceptable.
NCSW further stated that the women should not have been arrested while exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful expression and assembly. It added that even in situations where authorities deem it necessary to take individuals into custody, the law requires that detainees be treated with dignity, respect and in accordance with established legal safeguards and human rights standards.
The Commission urged the relevant authorities to ensure that all detained women are treated humanely and respectfully, provided safe custodial conditions and granted full access to due process, legal counsel and communication with their families.
As the national statutory body mandated to safeguard and promote the rights of women in Pakistan, NCSW said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring that the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of all women are upheld at all times.
