75-Year-Old Hindu Pakistani Activist Arrested For No Reason
Pakistani activist Sheema Kirmani was detained by police in Karachi during a peaceful Aurat March gathering but was later released after government intervention, sparking criticism.
On 5 May 2026, 75-year-old Pakistani classical dancer and women’s rights activist Sheema Kirmani was detained by police in Karachi, sparking outrage across social media.
Born in 1951 in Rawalpindi, Kirmani is renowned for preserving Bharatanatyam in Pakistan and for founding Tehrik-e-Niswan, which has promoted women’s rights through theatre and education since the 1970s.
Kirmani and other activists had gathered outside the Karachi Press Club to seek permission for the 2026 Aurat March. Although the march is usually held in March to mark International Women’s Day, this year’s event was scheduled for 10 May.
Police detained seven activists, including Kirmani. Videos showing policewomen forcibly taking her away quickly went viral, triggering criticism from across Pakistan.
After a few hours, Sindh Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar ordered their release and launched an inquiry. Karachi Additional IG Azad Khan later suspended the officers involved, including DSP Nasir Afridi.
After her release, Kirmani condemned the police action, saying the activists were peacefully preparing for a press conference and were given no explanation for their detention.
Despite the incident, Aurat March organisers confirmed that the march would go ahead as planned, turning the controversy into a renewed call for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
