Pakistan: Sheema Kermani, Bharatnatyam dancer & women's rights activist detained for raising voice on crimes against women
(Pakistan) The incident happened when Kermani, along with several activists, had assembled outside the Karachi press club on May 5th to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the annual Aurat March protest.
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Sheema Kermani, a 75-year-old Bharatnatyam dancer and women's rights activist, was manhandled, detained, and arrested by Sindh Police outside the Karachi Press Club while preparing to address a press conference on crimes against women for the Aurat March. The incident happened on May 5th, Tuesday, however, the video of the incident went viral on social media on May 9th, a day before the Aurat March scheduled on May 10th. (Sheema Kermani manhandled in Pakistan)
As per the reports, the incident happened when Kermani, along with several activists, had assembled outside the press club on May 5th to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the annual Aurat March protest. Viral videos showed female police personnel surrounding and physically restraining the veteran activist, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and social media users. (Sheema Kermani manhandled in Pakistan)
A 73-year-old artist. Pulled out of her car. Manhandled by veiled policewomen. Outside the Karachi Press Club. For trying to hold a press conference.
— Dan Qayyum (@DanQayyum) May 5, 2026
Kirmani performed dhamaal at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's shrine days after the 2017 bombing that killed 88 people. The state could not… https://t.co/A9iKnbGWKt
It was also later reported by the local media that around three police officers were suspended for manhandling the Aurat March cadre and veteran Sheema Kermani.
The #Sindh police on Wednesday suspended three police officials for alleged mistreatment of Aurat March activists, including #SheemaKermani. https://t.co/ll8Kj9YqR4 https://t.co/w3eYgJXnqK pic.twitter.com/RypZCTrdgd
— Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo, Journalist By Birth. (@SanjDeep7) May 9, 2026
Sheema Kermani is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most prominent cultural personalities, celebrated for her work in classical dance, theatre, and women’s rights advocacy. Born on January 16, 1951, Kermani trained in several classical Indian dance traditions, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. At a time when classical dance faced social and political opposition in Pakistan, she continued to perform openly and emerged as a strong symbol of artistic defiance. (Sheema Kermani manhandled in Pakistan)
Famous Pakistani Bharatnatyam dancer, Sheema Kirmani arrested by Sindh police. pic.twitter.com/BFr7h4rERD
— Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) May 9, 2026
She also founded Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural movement that has long promoted women’s empowerment through theatre, dance, and social awareness campaigns. Kermani rose to national prominence during the rule of former Pakistani military ruler Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, whose conservative regime imposed severe restrictions on cultural activities and women’s public expression.
Despite these pressures, Kermani continued performing classical dance and wearing saris in public, making her a prominent voice against censorship and patriarchal norms. The visuals showing the veteran artist being restrained by police officers rapidly circulated across social media, triggering criticism from activists, journalists, and citizens who accused the authorities of curbing peaceful civic expression. Many users described the incident as yet another sign of shrinking civil freedoms and growing pressure on women-led activism in Pakistan.