Aurat March Islamabad, the organization behind the annual Women’s Day rally in the capital, has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to direct the Islamabad administration to issue a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) for their march.
The group requires the NOC to hold the Aurat March rally at the Islamabad Press Club on March 8, marking International Women’s Day.
In an open letter shared on Instagram, the organizers informed the prime minister that despite years of attempts, they have consistently been denied permission and security for their demonstration.
“For the past six years, our organizers have faced violence at the hands of religious extremist groups, police, and the Islamabad administration, sending a negative message to the global community regarding the status of women’s rights in Pakistan,” the letter stated.
The organizers emphasized that International Women’s Day symbolizes the ongoing fight for gender equality, the protection of women’s rights, and the dismantling of patriarchal oppression. They added that the day serves as a platform for expressing solidarity, hope, and grievances in the pursuit of a more inclusive society.
“Prime Minister Sharif, we appeal to you as a leader with the power and responsibility to uphold women’s right to assemble and commemorate this day. We request that our march be allowed without unnecessary hurdles,” the letter read.
The organization expressed hope for a positive response from the prime minister and the swift issuance of the NOC.
Last month, the Lahore chapter of Aurat March filed a contempt of court case against Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and other officials for failing to approve their request to hold the annual demonstration.
The Lahore High Court was later informed that the Aurat March would take place in Lahore on February 12 with security provided by local authorities.
During the hearing, DC Raza confirmed that permission had been granted, and a government lawyer presented a letter detailing security arrangements for the event.
