Lahore admin clears Aurat March for Feb 12 as LHC ensures foolproof security.
In good news, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted permission for the Aurat March, scheduled for February 12, after hearing petitions filed by activist Leena Ghani and others.
Justice Anwar Hussain chaired the hearing, during which the government’s legal representative submitted a letter confirming security arrangements for the march.
The court ordered authorities to ensure foolproof security for participants.
Earlier, a contempt of court petition was filed against the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore for initially refusing permission for the march.
Also read: No Aurat March rally this year in Lahore: DC Rafia Haider
However, the DC has now approved, resolving the matter.
Following the court’s decision, the petition was disposed of, clearing the way for the Aurat March to proceed under official security arrangements.
The Aurat March is an annual socio-political demonstration in Pakistani cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Islamabad to observe International Women’s Day.
The first Aurat Marches were begun by women’s collectives in parallel with the Pakistani #MeToo movement on International Women’s Day.
Manifesto of the Aurat March
- The march manifesto demands economic justice, including implementation of labour rights and the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, recognition of women’s unpaid contributions to the “care economy,” and provision of maternity leave and daycare centers to ensure women’s inclusion in the labour force.
- It also demands access to safe air and drinking water
- Protection of animals and wildlife
- Recognition of women’s participation in the production of food and cash crops
- Access to a fair judicial system
- The inclusion of women with disabilities and the transgender community
- Reproductive justice, access to public spaces, inclusion in educational institutions
- The rights of religious minorities
- Promotion of an anti-war agenda
- An end to police brutality and forced disappearances.
