ISLAMABAD: Dozens of people from different groups blocked Khayaban-i-Suharwardy and Srinagar Highway during a protest staged against the recently conducted Aurat March.

Officials of the capital administration and police said that Sunni Rabta Council, State Youth Parliament Muslim Talba Mahaz and Muttahida Talba Mahaz staged separate protests at Aabpara Chowk.

The Sunni Rabta Council staged the protest at the chowk from 4:00pm to 5:30pm and demanded registration of FIRs against organisers and participants of the Aurat March. Later, they dispersed after the administration assured them that action will be taken against organisers within two days.

Likewise, a gathering of over 150 persons from State Youth Parliament Muslim Talba Mahaz and Muttahida Talba Mahaz also gathered at Aabpara chowk in the afternoon and staged a protest, due to which, traffic remained suspended at Khayaban-i-Suharwardy. Traffic police officials reached there and diverted traffic towards alternative routes. Srinagar Highway remained blocked in the evening due to protests in the evening.

Negotiations were conducted with them by the capital administration.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2021