Erica Robin Condemns Arrest of Aurat March Organisers, Calls for Women’s Rights Solidarity in Pakistan

KARACHI: Former Miss Universe Pakistan Erica Robin has strongly criticised the treatment of women activists in Pakistan, expressing outrage over the reported arrest and manhandling of Sheema Kermani and other organisers associated with the Aurat March.

In a series of video messages shared on Instagram, Erica Robin said she was “disgusted and disturbed” after learning that Aurat March organisers had allegedly not been granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) for their planned peaceful rally on May 10 in Karachi. She condemned the reported use of force against women protesters and expressed disappointment over women criticising and attacking fellow women fighting for equal rights.

Robin stated that it was “shameful” that women advocating for issues such as harassment, marital rape, and equal rights continued to face resistance and hostility in society. She also criticised social media users who mocked or celebrated the arrests, saying the reaction reflected a wider problem regarding women’s treatment in Pakistan.

The model urged Karachi residents to support the Aurat March by attending the rally or raising awareness through social media platforms. She emphasised that silence on issues affecting women would not bring meaningful change and called on influential public figures to speak out in support of peaceful activism and women’s rights.

In another statement shared online, Robin reminded celebrities and influencers that “fashion, glamour and social responsibility can coexist,” urging them not to ignore important social issues amid entertainment and lifestyle trends.

The Aurat March movement has remained one of Pakistan’s most prominent platforms advocating for gender equality, women’s protection, workplace rights, and freedom from violence and discrimination.