human rights defender
Sheema Kermani
© The Express Tribune
Organization affiliation
- Tehrik-e-Niswan (Women's Movement)
HRD's year of birth
1951
HRD's Gender
Woman
Type of HRD
- Artist
- NGO member
- Social and community leader
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Women's rights
HRD's geographical origin
Urban
Current Status
Released
HRD's bio and work
Sheema Kirmani is a legendary Pakistani classical dancer, actress, and women’s rights activist. She uses the performing arts to advocate for women’s rights, peace, and social justice in Pakistan.
Detained since
May 5, 2026
Date of release
May 5, 2026
Charge(s)
- Other
Latitude: 24.852270443867116
Longitude: 67.02333935751452
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Karachi
Location of detention - Facility
Artillery Maidan Police Station
Allegations / reports of ill-treatment
She reportedly faced ill-treatment by police, including rough handling, seizure of her vehicle keys, and inappropriate conduct during her detention
Recent case update / evolution
She was detained after she gathered at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) for a press conference to demand a no-objection certificate (NOC) for her upcoming annual march in Karachi, and was later released in the evening.
