When videos showing Pakistani classical dancer Sheema Kermani being escorted away by policewomen in Karachi began circulating online this week, social media users across India and Pakistan quickly recognised a familiar face. For many, she was the graceful Bharatanatyam performer seen in the globally popular song Pasoori. For others, she has long been known as one of Pakistan’s most outspoken women’s rights activists.
According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Sheema Kermani was among seven Aurat March activists briefly detained by Sindh Police near the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday. The group had reportedly gathered for a scheduled press conference seeking a no-objection certificate (NOC) for an upcoming Aurat March event in Karachi. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar later ordered their release.
