Tahira Abdullah Detained in Gaza Solidarity Protest
The detentions have sparked a wider debate about the restrictions on public gatherings and the role of authorities in regulating peaceful protests, with many advocating for greater freedoms and protections for human rights defenders like Tahira Abdullah and Samina Omar.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and human rights activist Tahira Abdullah were among those detained by Islamabad police during a peaceful protest against Israeli violence in Gaza outside the National Press Club, sparking criticism from human rights groups and social media activists.
The protest, which included multiple women, was held to show solidarity with Palestinians and demand an end to bloodshed. However, police cited violations of Section 144, restricting public gatherings, and claimed the protest was unauthorized. This is the second time Senator Mushtaq Ahmed has been detained for supporting Palestinians, highlighting the ongoing tensions between authorities and activists advocating for the Palestinian cause.
Human rights defenders Tahira Abdullah and Samina Omar were detained by Islamabad Police and charged under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for disobeying a public servant. They were later released, but the incident has drawn condemnation from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which stated that the women were not violating Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The HRCP has demanded the unconditional release of all arrested activists, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, activists in Pakistan remain committed to showing solidarity with the Palestinian people, despite the challenges and risks associated with protesting in the federal capital.