PFUJ condemns arrests of women journalists in Islamabad

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 March 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists condemned the arrest and alleged rough handling of women journalists and activists by Islamabad police during the Aurat March on International Women's Day. PFUJ demanded an inquiry and criticized the use of Section 144.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s leading journalists’ union has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged rough handling by police of women’s rights activists and journalists during the Aurat March in Islamabad on International Women’s Day.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said the actions of Islamabad police and the federal administration represented excessive use of authority against peaceful participants and media workers covering the march. The union specifically highlighted the detention of three women journalists, including Sehrish Qureishi of Independent Urdu.

Journalists and activists detained near the press club

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari expressed concern over the detention of prominent activist Dr. Farzana Bari, organizers, and dozens of march participants who were intercepted near the Super Market in sector F-6 while attempting to reach the National Press Club.

The PFUJ leadership said the arrests were carried out as authorities enforced Section 144, which restricts public gatherings. The union argued that the use of the law to block peaceful assembly undermines fundamental rights guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution.

Union calls for inquiry into police conduct

The PFUJ rejected the administration’s justification that security concerns or possible threats from the Lal Masjid management required preventive arrests. According to the union, the state’s responsibility is to ensure the safety of citizens exercising their rights rather than detaining them preemptively.

The journalists’ body also condemned reports that some detainees were allegedly roughly handled during the operation and that additional individuals were detained when they went to a women’s police station seeking information about those already in custody.

PFUJ leaders said International Women’s Day is globally recognized as a day to advocate for women’s rights and equality. They criticized the Islamabad administration for restricting civic activity in the capital instead of facilitating a peaceful march toward the National Press Club, which they described as a longstanding symbol of free expression.

The union demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists and called for an independent inquiry into the reported use of force against women by police personnel during the operation.

Butt and Ansari also urged the Interior Ministry to hold the Islamabad administration accountable for what they described as unnecessary use of force that risks damaging Pakistan’s democratic image internationally.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The detention of journalists while covering a peaceful protest highlights the operational risks reporters face when documenting public demonstrations in Pakistan. For news organizations, such incidents raise concerns about press freedom, newsroom safety protocols, and the legal environment surrounding protest coverage. It also underscores the importance of professional bodies like PFUJ in publicly challenging actions that may restrict media access to public events.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on a public statement issued March 9, 2026, by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Adnan Rehmat via Facebook