Aurat March organisers in Karachi were prevented by the police from holding a scheduled press briefing today outside Karachi Press Club (KPC).
A heavy police presence blocked access to the Press Club gates, detaining at least one female human rights activist and barring others — including veteran activist Sheema Kermani — from entering.
The press conference was intended to highlight the alleged enforced disappearances of women, including a 15-year-old girl, but organisers said authorities informed them to cancel even before their arrival.
Critics, including Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), condemned the police action as a violation of fundamental rights — noting the clampdown appears aimed at silencing demands for accountability and justice.