Cops suspended over Aurat March crackdown

The government has suspended three police officers for allegedly subjecting Aurat March organisers, including Sheema Kermani, women and transgender activists to violence and unlawful arrest outside the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

The action was taken on the directives of Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar after an inquiry into the incident involving Sheema Kermani and at least 15 women activists.

According to official sources, the investigation found that the South police conducted the operation without prior approval from higher-ups. The inquiry also reviewed video footage of the arrests, which took place outside the KPC.

Following the findings, Saddar DSP Nasir Afridi, Women police station SHO Hina Mughal, and Artillery Maidan police station SHO Nadeem Haider were suspended from service.

The home minister has ordered a further probe into the matter. In a statement, Lanjar said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of authority and affirmed that the dignity and rights of women would be protected at all costs.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when police allegedly used force to detain Kermani and companions as they arrived at the KPC to address a press conference regarding the Aurat March.