Viral videos show Bharatnatyam dancer-activist Sheema Kirmani manhandled by veiled Pakistani police, sparking outrage

On May 5, seven Aurat March activists, including Kirmani, were detained near the Karachi Press Club following orders from Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, according to Pakistani media reports.

The activists had gathered outside the press club for a scheduled press conference to demand a no-objection certificate (NOC) for their upcoming annual Aurat March in Karachi.

An Aurat March organiser confirmed to Dawn News that the seven detainees, including Kirmani and activist Shahzadi Rai, were later released on Lanjar’s orders.

On the same day, Aurat March’s official X account questioned the legality of the action, posting: "Karachi Press Club is a private organisation which we booked for a press conference that happens every year. It is by no means public. Under which law were we marchers picked up by law enforcement? What public order was violated?"

This year’s Aurat March in Karachi is scheduled for Sunday, coinciding with Mother's Day.

Sindh Police suspends three officials

Meanwhile, Sindh Police has suspended three officers over the alleged mistreatment of the activists.

According to an official statement quoted by Dawn, Karachi Additional Inspector General Azad Khan ordered the suspension of Saddar DSP Nasir Afridi, Women SHO Hina Mughal, and Artillery Maidan Police Station SHO Nadeem.

"On the orders of the police chief, a transparent inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law," the statement said.

Social media criticisms

Lawyer and activist M. Jibran Nasir criticised the arrests on X, writing: “Aurat March organisers, including Sheema Kirmani, were taken into custody for trying to enter Karachi Press Club for a press conference. How does Section 144 prohibit access to KPC? Under what law have press conferences been banned? Release the activists. Shame on PPP.”

Lawyer Nighat Dad also condemned the crackdown, posting: “Aurat March Karachi organisers and volunteers were arrested outside the Press Club right before their own press conference — before they could even speak.”

Dad further slammed the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, saying: “Sindh Government — this is on you. You cannot claim to be progressive while silencing women on the streets.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also denounced the arrests, calling them part of a “broader and deeply troubling pattern” of denying public space to citizens seeking to assert their rights.

Who is Sheema Kirmani?

According to the Salamti Fellowship website, Sheema Kirmani is a celebrated Pakistani social activist, founder of the women’s rights organisation Tehrik-e-Niswan, and a renowned exponent of Bharatanatyam.

Born in Rawalpindi, she studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Karachi before earning a degree in arts in London.

After returning to Pakistan, Kirmani dedicated herself to advocating for women’s rights, focusing on equality, education, health, and social justice through Tehrik-e-Niswan.

She began learning Bharatanatyam in the mid-1960s and later trained in Odissi under Aloka Panicker and Bharatanatyam under Leela Samson during her visits to India. Her first solo performance in Pakistan took place in 1984.

A younger global audience may also recognise her from her appearance in the internationally acclaimed Coke Studio Pakistan hit Pasoori by Ali Sethi and Shae Gill.