LAHORE: The district administration of Lahore has denied permission for the public rally citing security threats as scores of women are planning to rally in the country’s cultural capital on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day.
Every year, a sizable number of women, usually from the upper class of the country, take to the streets in a number of cities to demand political action for gender justice and women’s rights, with the events’ catchphrases lasting in the public eye while being widely seen as provocative.
Rafia Haider, the deputy commissioner of Lahore, is said to have refused permission to hold the Aurat March due to security issues, provocative banners, and the possibility of conflicts with participants in the ‘Haya March,’ which would be organized by the political right-wing party.
The organizers of the controversial event requested a no objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration to hold the rally at Lahore’s Nasser Bagh.
In a statement, Deputy Commissioner said “Following 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 women’s and student wings, who had also announced a program against the Aurat March.”
Amnesty International and other human rights campaigners, meanwhile, are furious over the action.
This amounts to an unlawful and unnecessary restriction of the right to assembly. According to international human rights law, authorities must facilitate and protect this right. We call on the Lahore district administration and all administrations in Pakistan (2/3)
— Amnesty International South Asia (@amnestysasia) March 3, 2023
Amnesty International expressed its disappointment with the district administration of Lahore’s decision to deny permission for the Aurat March. It urged officials to uphold, support, and safeguard the right to assemble—especially for women—in accordance with international human rights legislation.
In a city where large crowds are allowed to gather for PSL, a peaceful gathering of women and gender minorities is being silenced and denied their constitutional right to assembly. Are cricket matches more important than issues of gender-based violence?
6/n#MarchTuHogi pic.twitter.com/PpL3VnrScP
— عورت مارچ لاہور – Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 3, 2023
Aurat March, on its official Twitter, said “In a city where large crowds are allowed to gather for PSL, a peaceful gathering of women and gender minorities is being silenced and denied their constitutional right to assembly.”
