ISLAMABAD: At least 25 women’s rights activists, including prominent figures associated with the Aurat March, were taken into custody on Sunday as they assembled in Sector F-6 to observe International Women’s Day, local authorities and The News reported.

The activists were moved to the Women Police Station in G-7 Markaz after police intervened at the Super Market area, citing a violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits gatherings of four or more people to maintain public order.

Footage shared by the Aurat March Islamabad organisers showed several activists, including Dr Farzana Bari, inside police vehicles. The group stated that the detentions occurred while attempting a peaceful protest.

Representatives of the movement alleged that access to detainees was being restricted, with family members and legal counsel reportedly barred from meeting those in custody. Human rights organisations are monitoring the situation closely, calling for the immediate release of the activists.

Police clarified that no first information report (FIR) had yet been registered, and the detained women could be released subsequently.