The Lahore High Court (LHC) ruled a petition to halt the 2024 Aurat March, scheduled for March 8, as “inadmissible,” leading to its dismissal.
After deliberation on the plea, the LHC announced the decision, which targeted the event advocating for women’s rights.
Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC delivered the verdict on the complaint initiated by Azam Butt, who had implicated Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Hyder among others in his challenge. Butt’s contention centred on the claim that promotional materials for the Aurat March contradicted Islamic societal norms, urging the court to prevent the event’s occurrence.
Globally, March 8 is recognized as International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s achievements and raising awareness of unresolved issues. This year’s Women’s Day, under the theme “Siyasat, Muzahamat aur Azadi” (Politics, resistance, and independence), aims to directly address electoral politics and envision a political landscape inclusive of marginalized communities.
Since 2018, Pakistan has witnessed the Aurat March, a significant mobilization on Women’s Day, amidst increasing resistance correlating with its influence. Critics, citing the marches as a deviation from religious and cultural values, have previously succeeded in obstructing public demonstrations.
Notably, a previous year’s attempt by Lahore’s district administration to deny rally permission was overturned, allowing DC Haider and march organizers to designate a time and location for the event following LHC mediation.
