ISLAMABAD: Three police personnel involved in baton-charging participants of Aurat March in Islamabad have been suspended, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.
The police personnel involved in baton-charging the participants of the Women’s March have been suspended. Moreover, other persons responsible for misbehavior are also being identified, and proper action will be taken against them too.
— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) March 8, 2023
The annual public demonstration, held in various cities to mark International Women’s Day, reportedly saw clashes between organizers of the march, media and police present at the scene.
As a result, two cameramen, two photographers, and a woman reporter were injured.
Police officers allegedly responded to women marchers with a baton charge, after a female participant allegedly pushed aside Superintendent of Police Nausherwan for blocking their path.
The minister summoned the Islamabad IGP over the issue and said that action would be taken against those responsible under the law.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the alleged use of force by the Islamabad police and expressed concern about reports that religious organizations were attempting to hinder women from participating in the march.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman also condemned the police action against peaceful demonstrators and called for an inquiry into the incident.
I strongly condemn this violence and have sought an inquiry on the incident. There is no excuse for this. That too on Int’l Women’s Day. This is not what we fought for and will not tolerate it. Has been brought to the Interior Ministers notice. https://t.co/HL45Hj9HOn
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) March 8, 2023
Islamabad police apologized for the incident, and its IG asked the IDG Operations to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.
عورت مارچ معاملہ۔
آئی جی اسلام آباد ڈاکٹر اکبر ناصر خاں کا معاملے کا نوٹس، ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز سے فوری رپورٹ طلب۔
اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس اس واقعہ پر معذرت خواہ ہے۔
آئی جی اسلام آباد نے ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز کو ہدایت کی ہے کہ وہ ذمہ داروں کا تعین کرکے کارروائی کریں۔⬇️
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) March 8, 2023
