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

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

However, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider rejected plea citing “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 strong reservation of general public and religious organisations, especially JI’s (Jamaat-i-Islami) women’s and student wings, who had also announced programme against Aurat March.”

Subsequently, Aurat March organisers petitioned Lahore High Court, saying that DC’s order was “Arbitrary, discriminatory and ultra vires” of various constitutional articles. Petition has been fixed for March 6 (Monday) and will be heard by Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir.

In statement released, Mir said that government has decided to provide security to Aurat March protesters. “Complete police security will be given to participants.”

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also strongly condemned Lahore district administration for rejecting Aurat March organisers permission to hold public rally marking International Women’s Day on March 8.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 06 2023

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