The Aurat March Thread - Reactions and Debate

[Stewie]

I think we should all be feminists and support Aurat March. I know its a bitter to swallow but thats the direction where everyone is going. Support freedom of women, their rights, freedom for gender identification, recognition of LGBTQ++++ rights, support of their agenda, etc.

 

[Loralai]

Lots of respect for all the brave young women taking part in this event. They are doing all Pakistanis a great service: fighting Pakistani patriarchy and dragging us into the modern age. Bravo!

 

[saeedhk]

‘Pakistani women are not given rights due to Indian culture,’ PM Imran.

 

[Stewie]

‘Pakistani women are not given rights due to Indian culture,’ PM Imran.

I agree with him

 

[saeedhk]

I agree with him

How?

 

[Stewie]

How?

We have inherited quite a few bad traits from our Indian background. Our culture is an amalgamation of hindu/muslim values combined with some from other foreign nations.

But if you think about it, if we stick to say religious based values, we are supposed to protect our women and give them equal rights. Women have 1/2 the share compared to a full share of her brother from her father's side and then she inherits from her husband as well.

It does not happen so regularly in Pakistan though. Also the tradition of "dowry" that has been a pretty big curse on us for generations is another indian cultural thing. The perception of women as a burden, (high rates of female infanticide in India, etc) are evidence of how the Indian society has historically been abusive towards female rights and we have adopted the same mentality.

We need to forge our own identity and culture going forward and try to shy away from the indian values who are steeped in Hinduism which are not in line with our faith to begin with.

 

[MenInG]

More than 1,000 veiled women attended marches to promote Islamic values in cities across Pakistan on International Women’s Day in an attempt to counter pro-gender equality rallies.

In Islamabad and Karachi, well-attended “hijab marches”, organised by religious groups, competed with those participating in aurat – Urdu for women – rallies, which call for an end to systemic discrimination in the country.

The aurat march has been held each year on 8 March – International Women’s Day – since 2018, and organisers have faced numerous death threats as well as accusations of taking foreign funding to promote obscenity.

Last month Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, opposed the aurat march, and said it violated Islamic values. He demanded that the prime minister, Imran Khan, rename 8 March as Hijab Day, which prompted Tuesday’s counter-marches.

“Every year on our day religious Islamist parties threaten our march and oppose it, but Pakistani women will continue our struggle and we will counter this opposition for our rights,” said Farzana Bari, one of the aurat organisers.

Hira Ali, a university student from Islamabad, where men hurled stones at marchers in 2020, said: “The Islamists came out to suppress our voice and we will not allow them to oppose our right to protest and we own our public space.

“The perpetrators of violence against women often walk away without facing punishments and we will fight against the injustices,” she said.

In the past there has been controversy among conservative and religious circles over the slogans and placards used in the march, primarily: “My body, my choice” and “Stop being menstrual-phobic”.

A woman puts her view across on International Women’s Day in Karachi on 8 March 2022. Photograph: Rizwan Tabassum/AFP/Getty
Authorities in Lahore urged organisers to cancel the event there on security grounds, and threatened not to provide security for the marchers, but after a legal challenge in the city’s high court the march went ahead.

Fabricated videos and fake images of last year’s International Women’s Day march were circulated online and appeared on TV shows falsely accusing women of chanting blasphemous slogans, which carries the death penalty in Pakistan.

Over the past four years the aurat march organisers have claimed victories for gender equality, for example last year’s ban on the “virginity test” for female rape victims in Punjab. But the flood of threats and online abuse have led march organisers to deactivate their social media accounts.

Last year’s Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan 153 out of 156 countries.

The Guardian

 

[MenInG]

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider has rejected permission to organise the Aurat March on the grounds of security concerns, ‘controversial’ cards and banners supporting women’s rights, and the likelihood of clashes with members of Jamaat-i-Islami’s ‘Haya March’.

Civil society, political parties, and rights organisations condemned the deputy commissioner for rejecting the plea to organise Aurat March on International Women’s Day on March 8.

The Aurat March organizing committee had requested a no objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration to hold a rally on March 8 at Nasser Bagh, Lahore, followed by a march around the perimeter of the park.

However, DC Haider rejected the plea in the wake of threat alerts from security agencies.

DAWN

 

[sweep_shot]

More than 1,000 veiled women attended marches to promote Islamic values in cities across Pakistan on International Women’s Day in an attempt to counter pro-gender equality rallies.

In Islamabad and Karachi, well-attended “hijab marches”, organised by religious groups, competed with those participating in aurat – Urdu for women – rallies, which call for an end to systemic discrimination in the country.

The aurat march has been held each year on 8 March – International Women’s Day – since 2018, and organisers have faced numerous death threats as well as accusations of taking foreign funding to promote obscenity.

Last month Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, opposed the aurat march, and said it violated Islamic values. He demanded that the prime minister, Imran Khan, rename 8 March as Hijab Day, which prompted Tuesday’s counter-marches.

“Every year on our day religious Islamist parties threaten our march and oppose it, but Pakistani women will continue our struggle and we will counter this opposition for our rights,” said Farzana Bari, one of the aurat organisers.

Hira Ali, a university student from Islamabad, where men hurled stones at marchers in 2020, said: “The Islamists came out to suppress our voice and we will not allow them to oppose our right to protest and we own our public space.

“The perpetrators of violence against women often walk away without facing punishments and we will fight against the injustices,” she said.

In the past there has been controversy among conservative and religious circles over the slogans and placards used in the march, primarily: “My body, my choice” and “Stop being menstrual-phobic”.

A woman puts her view across on International Women’s Day in Karachi on 8 March 2022. Photograph: Rizwan Tabassum/AFP/Getty
Authorities in Lahore urged organisers to cancel the event there on security grounds, and threatened not to provide security for the marchers, but after a legal challenge in the city’s high court the march went ahead.

Fabricated videos and fake images of last year’s International Women’s Day march were circulated online and appeared on TV shows falsely accusing women of chanting blasphemous slogans, which carries the death penalty in Pakistan.

Over the past four years the aurat march organisers have claimed victories for gender equality, for example last year’s ban on the “virginity test” for female rape victims in Punjab. But the flood of threats and online abuse have led march organisers to deactivate their social media accounts.

Last year’s Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan 153 out of 156 countries.

The Guardian

Respect to these ladies. May Allah (SWT) reward them.

Radical feminists are threats to any society. They should be kept in check.

 

[Bewal Express]

The Aurat march is scam. These are money making scams to get money off gullible Westerners. In the last 11 months women have been abused in their own homes but not a peep fto these scammers. Dr Yasmin was attacked, where was these women.

 

[Poseidon]

i think people didnt notice one main thing in these aurat march , that aurat march should be only for the ladies, or women, thn why the hell is LGBTQROZ etc are participating in this with thre own agenda and propaganda ?

 

[MenInG]

Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir has promised that the caretaker government will not place any obstacles for Aurat March protesters in the province, adding that all the reservations of the event’s organisers had been addressed.

The Aurat March organising committee had last month requested a no objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration to hold a rally on March 8 at Nasser Bagh, Lahore, followed by a march around the perimeter of the park.

However, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider had rejected the plea citing “the current security scenario, threat alerts, and law and order situation, and in light of activities like controversial cards and banners for awareness of women’s rights and the strong reservation of the general public and religious organizations, especially JI’s (Jamaat-i-Islami) women’s and student wings, who had also announced a programme against the Aurat March.”

Subsequently, Aurat March organisers petitioned the Lahore High Court on Saturday night, saying that the DC’s order was “arbitrary, discriminatory and ultra vires” of various constitutional articles.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

The organisers of Aurat March on Monday presented a list of 60 demands, including an end to patriarchal violence, increased representation of women at all levels of decision-making concerning climate change, a reduction in the defence budget and increased allocations for health and education.

DAWN

 

[Ryw]

The Aurat march is scam. These are money making scams to get money off gullible Westerners. In the last 11 months women have been abused in their own homes but not a peep fto these scammers. Dr Yasmin was attacked, where was these women.

This!!!
Its laughable to read their 60 demands whereas irl they party dance mujra disco type concerts with heavy sound system, organisers own homes are full with labour abuse,they are independent women and will ruin your life if you say something otherwise. They forgot its Islamic Republic of Pakistan so this ideology aint gonna work here

 

[sweep_shot]

The organisers of Aurat March on Monday presented a list of 60 demands, including an end to patriarchal violence, increased representation of women at all levels of decision-making concerning climate change, a reduction in the defence budget and increased allocations for health and education.

DAWN

Some of these demands are simply laughable.

Representation of more women concerning climate change? What's that? This is comical.

Reduction of defense budget is another terrible idea (considering TTP threat and other threats).

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I strongly condemn this violence and have sought an inquiry on the incident. There is no excuse for this. That too on Int’l Women’s Day. This is not what we fought for and will not tolerate it. Has been brought to the Interior Ministers notice. <a href="https://t.co/HL45Hj9HOn">https://t.co/HL45Hj9HOn</a></p>— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1633429372928393217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Wednesday that police personnel involved in baton-charging the participants of Aurat March — a public demonstration held annually in various cities to mark International Women’s Day — in Islamabad had been suspended.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

Pakistani males annual meltdown day is here

 

[saeedhk]

Pakistani males annual meltdown day is here

Yes. They do not even allow a SINGLE day in a year for woman to express their grievances. Sick!

 

[wasim-fan]

Hijab made mandatory in Azad Kashmir schools. Next step will be stop schools for girls. Kashmir banega Pakistan. Kashmir aur Pakistan banega Afghanistan.

 

[wasim-fan]

Some of these demands are simply laughable.

Representation of more women concerning climate change? What's that? This is comical.

Reduction of defense budget is another terrible idea (considering TTP threat and other threats).

Its true. Cutting down on healthcare and education is way forward.

 

[saeedhk]

Hijab made mandatory in Azad Kashmir schools. Next step will be stop schools for girls. Kashmir banega Pakistan. Kashmir aur Pakistan banega Afghanistan.

Yet another cheap attempt by politicians to deflect from their failings and win favor with the masses! These girls who are now made to wear hijab study in roofless schools with no proper sanitation system and sit in classrooms with no electricity and other common amenities.

But, the biggest problem was the bare heads if these girls!

 

[Poseidon]

one thing i dont understand , why transgenders are participating in Aurat march with thre own trans placards ?

 

[sweep_shot]

one thing i dont understand , why transgenders are participating in Aurat march with thre own trans placards ?

These folks are all very confused. They don't know what they represent and what they want.

The term "headless chicken" comes to mind.

 

[Syed1]

Aurat March marches for women's right, but only if women don't support PTI and IK. If they do then no right for them. Yesterday was women's day and PTI women's clothes were torn and cars damaged but not a peep from this foreign funded organization

 

[wasim-fan]

one thing i dont understand , why transgenders are participating in Aurat march with thre own trans placards ?

So you are expecting them to do gay pride on the streets on Karachi ? It's the most safe to club in with the women than doing it alone. Plus there are not many who causes can allign with theirs. TLP are not big fans apparently.

 

[daytrader]

Aurat March calls for financial empowerment of women in times of inflation
"Riyasat jawab do, bhook ka hisab do" was central theme for this year's Aurat March

Nadeem Abbas and Farhat Nadeem from Sindh’s Badin district tied the knot a few years ago. The married couple helps each other grow professionally.

They understand the importance of the inclusion of women in the economy and their financial emancipation which helps them actively contribute to running house expenses during the time of this rising inflation.

The couple, who does not believe in predefined gender roles, participated in the Aurat March in Karachi on Sunday afternoon. They said they believed in the demand for financial empowerment of women made at the Aurat March.

“I heat my own food. I prepare tea not for myself but for my wife as well,” said the husband. The rather young married couple came all the way from Badin to become part of the Aurat March gathering that was held at the Burnes Garden.

Working women of our society, he said, after doing eight–hour duty manage their homes as well. “This is sheer injustice,” he stressed. “Only if we understand that men can also do housework, the issue of gender roles could be resolved in our society.”

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/10...al-empowerment-of-women-in-times-of-inflation

 

[BouncerGuy]

Good one. These liberals should be stopped from preaching Western culture.

---------------------------

Petition filed in Lahore High Court against Aurat March

A case has been filed in the Lahore High Court against the Aurat March procession in the coming month of March. The petition was filed by advocate Rana Sikandar on behalf of a citizen named Azam Butt.

The petitioner expressed concern that the women's march may worsen the state of peace and order. The petitioner stated that the placards and banners of Aurat March are not acceptable in Islamic society.

The petition has included the Lahore deputy commissioner and others as parties. According to the petitioner, women's rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, and efforts are made to improve women's welfare. It is demanded that the state cease the unethical promotion of the Aurat March.

Anyone can file a suit in court if they are not receiving their fundamental rights, the petitioner stated.

Every year to mark International Women's Day, Aurat March a sociopolitical rally organised in Pakistani cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Quetta.

SAMAA

 

[BouncerGuy]

Plea against Aurat March dismissed

The Lahore High Court on Monday dismissed a petition against the upcoming Aurat March in the city.

Justice Shahid Karim announced a reserved decision on a petition by a citizen, Azam Ali Butt.

The petitioner, through a counsel, submitted that Aurat March had been taking place in Lahore since 2019 with an apparent motive to expose the problems women face in Pakistan.

However, he alleged it had been observed in the past that the march participants indulged in passing indecent comments and social media platforms spread them without any filtration. He pleaded that such activities had been destroying the fabric of society.

The petitioner said brawls occurred in the past between the participants in the Aurat March and the activists of the JI, who organised the “Haya March” on the same day.

He asked the court to restrain the government from allowing Aurat March in light of the alleged controversial placards and banners besides reservations of the general public.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Today, On International Women’s Day, we appreciate how strong and tough women are all over the world. They do a lot of work that people don’t always notice, and they help our communities a lot. Today, we celebrate how amazing they are.

 

[SalimBhai]

Congrats to all women

 

[BouncerGuy]

Aurat March: Women take to the streets in cities across Pakistan

Raising their voices over the many injustices, women across Pakistan participated in the Aurat March on Friday to mark International Women’s Day.

The first Aurat March in Pakistan was held on March 8, 2018, in Karachi. The next year, it was extended to more cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Larkana, and Hyderabad. This year’s event was the seventh march since its inception.

This year too, women from all segments of society marched for their rights in major cities across the country. They held posters inscribed with “Stop gender-based violence” and “Girls just wanna walk home safe”.

Some marchers also held banners in support of the people of Palestine while others called for an end to enforced disappearances.

In Karachi, women mobilised at Frere Hall and marched to Teen Talwar. However, the turnout this year seemed underwhelming. There were relatively fewer people who were present and even fewer who were willing to be interviewed.

Ahead of the march, several sessions covering a myriad of social issues were held.

At one such meeting, transgender activist Shehzadi Rai expressed how certain individuals, who claimed to be supportive of transgender people, engaged in superficial acts.

She demanded that such “trans-friendly” people had no choice but “to give us respect” now, in line with the slogan of their session that read: izzat toh deni paregi (You have to give respect).

Meanwhile, women in Lahore gathered outside the press club and displayed public art pieces. The demonstrators also recited poems written by Habib Jalib and other revolutionaries.

In Islamabad, on the other hand, Aurat March organisers claimed that the participants were pushed by the police and were stopped from marching towards D-Chowk.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

SHC orders probe into holding of Aurat March without district administration’s permission

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has expressed concerns over holding an event under the garb of Aurat March without the permission of district administration and has ordered the Karachi commissioner to look into the matter and initiate an inquiry.

The SHC also asked the commissioner to take appropriate action against delinquent officials if any deliberate negligence was found on the part of district management for the prevention of such event.

A two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, passed such directives while disposing of a petition filed against the Aurat March and a dance competition.

The bench in its order said the official respondents had given an undertaking to the effect that in future, no permission will be granted to hold such event/function or march which may violate any constitutional provision, law or may have any element of promoting un-Islamic, immoral and objectionable events or performances.

Citing the ministry of interior, chief secretary Sindh, home department, deputy commissioner (South), Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) and others as respondents, eight female lawyers had moved the SHC in March, asking it to restrain respondents and other organisations from illicit and immoral activities including dance function, carrying immodest and rebellious slogans on placards during Aurat March, a public demonstration held annually in various cities to mark International Women’s Day.

At the outset of the hearing, DC South filed comments while counsel for ACP as well as a provincial law officer submitted that in view of detailed comments filed by the DC, it had been clarified that there were two different events in the subject matter as one was held at ACP, which was a family event wherein there was no element of any kind of immoral activities whereas the second event was regarding Aurat March, which had no nexus with the programme held at the ACP.

An assistant advocate general also contended that as per the comments filed by official respondents, no permission was granted for organising Aurat March on March 8, this year either within the close vicinity of the ACP Karachi or even within the limits of South district while pictures attached with petition did not reflect the date and exact location of such women march.

However, the law officer and the official respondents have assured the bench that no such permission will be granted to anyone under the garb of any march which may have any elements of obscenity/immorality and promote un-Islamic culture in violation of the constitution and relevant laws.

In the view of the factual position as emerged from comments filed by respondents as well as the undertaking, the bench in its order said that the petitioners were satisfied and, accordingly, the petition stood disposed of in view of such comments and undertaking.

“However, we may express our concerns that in the absence of any permission granted by the district management, how such event in the garb of “Aurat March” wherein, immoral, indecent and even vulgar banners and play cards were displayed, was organised, and as to why it was not prevented/stopped by the concerned district management/police, which has given cause of grievance to the petitioners representing large number of residents of Karachi and citizens of Pakistan who are Muslims and observe Islamic culture and values”, it added.

“We would direct the commissioner of Karachi to look into the matter and hold inquiry to this effect, and if it is found that such event was organised on 08.03.2024 without permission of concerned authorities why it was not prevented/stopped and if it is found that there was deliberate negligence on the part of district management, appropriate action may be taken against such delinquent officials in accordance with the law”, the bench in its order concluded.

DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Lahore High Court summons replies from DC, others on Aurat March contempt petition

The Lahore High Court has issued notices to and summoned replies from Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and several other officers on a contempt petition filed against them by the organisers of the Aurat March Lahore. The petitioners say their application to hold the event on February 12 is not being processed, accusing the officials of employing “dilatory tactics” and not following a 2023 court order.

The petitioners, Khawar Mumtaz, Leena Ghani, Neelam Hussain, Fatima Jan and Shereen Umair, approached the Lahore High Court after submitting an application to hold the Aurat March on January 10 and not hearing back from the officials.

Justice Anwaar Hussain heard on Wednesday the case against the Lahore DC, Operations DG Muhammad Faisal Kamran and Chief Traffic Officer Athar Waheed. He has summoned a report from the officials on February 3.

The Aurat March organisers are arguing that the officials are not implementing a 2023 order by the Lahore High Court ordering the offices of the Lahore Deputy Commissioner, Operations DG and Traffic Office to provide security arrangements to the petitioners and organisers of the Aurat March.

The petitioners argued that the march is held to “[raise] awareness on women’s rights and gender related issues. The march is an inclusive event organised by volunteers from civil society. It attracts widespread participation from women, gender minorities, and allies across Lahore and Pakistan. It is one of the many processions held nationwide under the same name and vision.”

This year, the march is set to be held on February 12 on its traditional route from Lahore Press Club to Edgerton Road, outside PIA Office. This is the same route that the Aurat March has taken in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The organisers said they submitted the application to hold the march by mail on Jan 10 and by hand on Jan 14 to the deputy commissioner, who forwarded it to the other respondents on January 13 but since then, no progress has been made.

“It is clear that the respondents/contemnors are employing dilatory tactics to frustrate the organisation of the Aurat March which is set to be held in two weeks,” read the petition.

“That in 2023, the offices of the respondents/contemnors employed similar dilatory tactics which were the subject of the Aurat March Judgement. The petitioners approached this court and this court held in the Aurat March Judgement that it is incumbent upon the respondents/contemnors to facilitate the organisation of the Aurat March under the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression guaranteed by Articles 16 and 19 of the Constitution.”

The organisers have requested the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against the officials and for the court to direct them to facilitate the march.

During the hearing, Justice Hussain asked Assistant Advocate General Muhammad Usman Khan, who appeared on behalf of the Punjab government and denied that contempt of court had taken place, why the issue of the Aurat March was arising once again.

SOURCE: https://images.dawn.com/news/119318...om-dc-others-on-aurat-march-contempt-petition

 

[FearlessRoar]

Lahore High Court grants permission for Aurat March

Lahore High Court has granted permission for the Aurat March following a contempt of court petition filed against the Deputy Commissioner for initially denying the NOC for the event.

During the hearing, the Deputy Commissioner submitted the required permission for the march, scheduled for February 12.

A government lawyer presented a letter outlining security arrangements, assuring that participants would receive comprehensive security measures during the event.

Justice Anwaar Hussain led the proceedings, which included petitions from several applicants, including Lena Ghani.

The Deputy Commissioner explained that a cricket match and a horse cattle show were set for February 8, which had complicated the approval process for the march. He noted that discussions regarding the gathering’s approval were ongoing and that further meetings were planned.

When asked about the timeline for the application, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed it was received on January 29. The court inquired if there was a legal timeframe for decisions on such requests, to which the Deputy Commissioner stated that no specific duration is prescribed by law.

The court warned that the Chief Secretary could be summoned if the issue was not resolved promptly; however, granted the permission for the march.

Lahore High Court grants permission for Aurat March

Government lawyer presented letter outlining security arrangements for march

english.aaj.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Aurat March in Multan calls for equal opportunities

A large number of women, men, gender minorities and human rights activists from south Punjab participated in the Aurat March (women’s march) in Multan.

The march held from Nawanshahr Chowk to Multan Press Club aimed to highlight the demands for women’s fundamental rights, equal opportunities, gender justice, climate justice and ensuring safety at workplaces. The participants raised slogans and showcased their demands through placards and banners.

The march particularly emphasised the rights of working women from southern Punjab, including domestic workers, farmers, teachers, nurses, journalists and other labour classes.

The demands included equal wages and financial rights, environmental justice, safe workplaces, education and health, rights of gender minorities, end to forced marriages and religious conversions, legal and political representation, and digital rights to protect women and gender minorities from online harassment and free access to the internet for all.

The march also demanded justice for the renowned human rights lawyer Rashid Rehman Shaheed, who was murdered in 2014 in Multan for defending freedom of expression and human rights.

The participants called upon state institutions and the judiciary to bring Rehman’s killers to justice and ensure the protection of human rights activists.

Advocate Lubna Nadeem stated, “The organisation of the women’s march is a welcome initiative for society. Our leader Rashid Rehman also fought against the barriers to justice for women, and we are continuing that mission.”

Organiser Laiba Zainab said the march emphasised the protection of the rights of all women and gender minorities. “Our goal is to create a society where every individual enjoys equality, justice, and freedom.”

The organisers stressed that every attempt to suppress the struggle for women’s and human rights will be resisted.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Aurat March Islamabad petitions PM Shehbaz for rally’s NOC

Aurat March Islamabad, the organisation behind the annual Women’s Day march in the capital, requested that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif direct the Islamabad administration to grant them a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to hold their march.

The organisation requires an NOC to hold the Aurat March rally at the Islamabad Press Club, a public space, on March 8, which marks the International Women’s Day.

In an open letter posted to Instagram, the march’s organisers informed the premier that despite countless efforts seeking an NOC for the past six years, they were “denied the safety and right to protest”.

“In the past, our organisers have faced brutalisation in the hands of religious fundamentalist groups, police and Islamabad Administration, sending a very negative message to the international community regarding [the] status of women’s rights in Pakistan.”

They highlighted that the International Women’s Day signified the continued struggle for gender equality, the protection of women’s rights and an end to patriarchal oppression. The organisers added that the day provided them a platform to express solidarity, hope and frustrations as they strived for a more inclusive future.

“Prime Minister Sharif, we appeal to you as a leader who has the power and the responsibility to uphold the rights of women to gather and commemorate their day on 8th March, and to be guaranteed that our march is allowed to take place without any unnecessary obstacles.”

The organisation looked forward to the prime minister’s positive response and a swift issuance of the NOC for the Aurat March.

Last month, the Lahore branch of the Aurat March filed a contempt of court case against Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and several other officers for not approving their request to hold the annual demonstration.

The Lahore High Court was later informed that the Aurat March would hold its demonstration in Lahore on February 12 complete with security from the local police.

DC Raza told the court during the hearing that they have granted permission for the march to be held. A government lawyer submitted a letter to the court, regarding security arrangements made for the march on February 12.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

CALM DOWN GUYS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Aurat March organisers seek public holiday on International Women’s Day

Calling for gender-based violence to be declared a national emergency, organisers of the Women’s March on Thursday urged the government to declare International Women’s Day, marked on March 8, as a national public holiday.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club, social activists, including Dr Farzana Bari, Huda Burghari, Nishat Maryam, Zainab Jamil and Jiya Jaggi, presented a set of demands addressing human rights, social justice and environmental concerns.

They called on the state to recognise gender-based violence as a national emergency and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of patriarchal violence. They demanded the eradication of child marriages, strict enforcement of laws against violence and full implementation of the Transgender Rights Protection Act.

Additionally, they stressed the need for safeguarding the rights of religious minorities by providing them with equal opportunities in employment, education and healthcare. The organisers also urged immediate amendments to blasphemy laws to prevent their misuse and called for an end to the persecution of Christian, Hindu, Shia, and Ahmadi communities, ensuring their social, political and economic rights.

Criticising restrictions on their peaceful gatherings, the Women’s March organisers condemned the denial of their right to assembly and the constant threats and harassment they face. They expressed concerns over repeated obstacles in obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) for their events since 2020. They also rejected the proposal to relocate the march from the National Press Club to the Parade Ground, which is primarily used for military activities. They demanded that NOCs be issued for all current and future Women’s March activities without obstruction.

The organisers also strongly condemned the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, warning that such actions would lead to severe human rights violations. They urged the government to halt these deportations and instead implement policies that ensure the protection and legal status of Afghan refugees.

Furthermore, the government was urged to take immediate action against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings targeting Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi human rights activists, journalists and political dissenters.

They also highlighted the urgent need to address the environmental crisis and demanded an end to environmentally harmful projects like “Green Pakistan.”

They ended their press conference with the reiteration of their demands for gender justice, minority rights, and the freedom to assemble peacefully without state interference.

The organisers emphasised that Women’s March remained an independent, non-partisan and intersectional feminist movement committed to upholding fundamental rights and freedoms in Pakistan.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Aurat March organisers in Islamabad booked for violating section 144

The capital police have registered a case against the organisers of Aurat March for staging a protest on March 8 in violation of section 144.

The case was registered at Kohsar police station under section 188 and 341 of PPC and section 8 of Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.

The case was registered in response to a complaint lodged by area magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio on Thursday.

According to the FIR, the area magistrate has made a video on social as evidence in which he saw Farzana Bari leading a over 150 women’s rally marching towards the National Press Club on March 8, where they staged a protest.

Besides, president Muslim Students Federation Bilal Rabani and central joint secretary Pakistan Nazaryati Party Abdul Shakoor along with 60 men and men also reached the press club to join the protest.

As he was in Super Market, he and police personnel tried to intercept the Aurat Marchers led by Ms Barri but in vain, and both the groups blocked Shaheed-i-Milat Road.

Area Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio inquired about the matter from his office and came to know that no NOC had been issued for the march and the protest.

As the deputy commissioner had imposed section 144 of CrPC in Islamabad banning all kinds of protest, so the Aurat March and the protests were illegal.

Ms Barrai, Bilal Rabani and Abdul Shakoor violated the order of DC and the ban imposed by the DC, it added.

DAWN NEWS

 

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Are we discussing living places and adresses here??

 

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Aurat March Karachi postponed in light of ‘war-like situation between India and Pakistan’

The organisers of Aurat March Karachi announced on Thursday the postponement of this year’s march, originally scheduled for May 11, Mother’s Day, citing the “war-like situation between India and Pakistan.”

On Wednesday night, India attacked several sites in Pakistan as part of its ‘Operation Sindoor’. Thirty-one Pakistani civilians have been killed and another 57 injured. In retaliation, Pakistan’s military downed five Indian jets, and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and check posts along the Line of Control. On Thursday, the DG ISPR said 25 Indian drones had been downed since last night. Amid the escalation, flight operations at the Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot airports have been temporarily suspended.

The Aurat March organisers highlighted the disproportionate impact such crises have on marginalised communities — particularly women, trans, and non-binary people from working-class backgrounds.

“This decision was not made easily or quickly,” read the statement issued via the Aurat March Karachi’s Instagram account. “Especially in light of how hard we voluntarily work all year round to bring people out on the streets.”

The current political climate, the organisers noted, poses serious logistical and safety challenges for the very people the march aims to empower. “In the current climate, we must consider the risks that disproportionately impact those same communities: the fear of movement, the possibility of violence, and the increased surveillance that always accompanies national security narratives.”

Importantly, the Aurat March Karachi is postponed, not cancelled. “Our fight continues,” the organisers stressed, reaffirming the urgency of their demands. “The demands we raised this year remain urgent: social security, access to reproductive healthcare, housing, labour protections, recognition of unpaid work, maternal care, and freedom from violence. These are not secondary to national concerns they are national concerns. And we will keep organising around them until we are back on the streets.”

The Aurat March also added a new demand: “that our state pursue a path of diplomatic resolution and peace.”

The statement went on to highlight how war diverts attention and resources away from fundamental social services.

In the caption accompanying the post, the organisers added: “War — or even the potential for it — pushes back all struggles for rights, especially the feminist struggle.”

“We want to tell you that the feminist work, and the fight for our rights will not take a back seat as we wait for peace to prevail,” they said, offering “feminist pyaar and salam” to all who contributed to this year’s campaign — through donations, artwork, advocacy, or solidarity.

The annual Aurat March has become a cornerstone of feminist resistance in Pakistan since its inception in 2018, offering a critical platform for those often excluded from the mainstream discourse.

DAWN NEWS