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  "path": "/partner/rights-groups-fear-use-of-arrest-to-stifle-free-speech-in-pakistan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-22T04:34:55.000Z",
  "site": "https://nukta.com",
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nParticipants in an International Women’s Day march in Pakistan’s capital say they were detained and mistreated by police, as rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on dissent.\n\nMavra Bari, a 36-year-old sociologist, said she had planned to join celebrations in Islamabad on March 8 but instead spent about 12 hours in detention.\n\n“What was meant to be a celebration turned into a horrible experience,” she said, describing a cramped holding area with poor sanitation and dozens of detainees, including women, men and children. “We were beaten.”\n\nMore than 30 people were held, according to accounts from those present. An AFP journalist saw detainees upon release, some appearing shaken and showing visible bruises and swelling.\n\nOutside the police station, a man said his daughter had only come to observe the march. “She did nothing wrong,” he said.\n\n### Official stance and rights concerns\n\nThe detentions came despite public support for women’s empowerment expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said on March 8 that women’s rights are central to national development.\n\nHuman rights organizations, however, say such incidents reflect a broader pattern. Amnesty International has warned of a “shrinking space for dissent,” citing arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly.\n\nAuthorities often do not clearly explain the reasons for arrests, activists say.\n\n### National security concerns cited\n\nRights advocates argue that laws tied to national security are increasingly used to curb criticism.\n\nUsama Khilji said authorities frequently frame dissent as a security issue. “Anyone can be punished,” he said.\n\nHuman Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, enforced disappearances and legal pressure against activists, journalists and lawyers.\n\nAmong high-profile cases is Imaan Mazari, known for taking on sensitive human rights cases, who is currently imprisoned alongside her husband over alleged anti-state social media activity.\n\n### Media under pressure\n\nPress freedom groups say journalists also face increasing risks.\n\nThe Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least seven journalists were killed in Pakistan in 2024, while others faced harassment or detention.\n\nSehrish Qureshi said she was detained when she went to a police station to inquire about colleagues held during the march. “I was detained without any reason,” she said.\n\nReporters Without Borders has similarly raised concerns about growing pressure on independent media and tighter controls on information.\n\nHarris Khalique of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described recent restrictions as “draconian.”\n\n### Activists undeterred\n\nPolice later told detainees they had violated a law restricting gatherings of more than four people.\n\nDays after the arrests, a large rally marking Al-Quds Day was held in Islamabad without similar intervention, according to activists.\n\nDespite the risks, many participants say they remain committed to speaking out.\n\n“It was scary at first,” Bari said. “We didn’t know why we were arrested or what they would do to us.”\n\nOthers echoed that sentiment, saying the experience would not deter them from future activism.",
  "title": "Rights groups fear use of arrest to stifle free speech in Pakistan"
}