Lahore High Court (LHC) has given permission for Aurat March, scheduled for February 12 after petitions filed by activist Leena Ghani and others.
The hearing, led by justice Anwar Hussain, so that the government’s legal representative submits a letter confirming security schemes for the event. The court ordered the authorities to ensure extensive security measures for the participants.
The organizers had filed a contempt petition against Lahore -Vice Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and other officials for not dealing with their request in a timely way, Express News reported.
The petitions, including prominent activists Khawar Mumtaz, Leena Ghani, Neelam Hussain, Fatima Jan and Shereen Umair, had approached Lahore High Court after their application for March, which was submitted in January, had not been traded.
They accused the officials of delaying the event by using “dilatory tactics” and not conducting a judgment of 2023 that required relief from the march.
During a hearing, justice Anwaar Hussain was informed that permission had been granted for the march and that the authorities would ensure sufficient security for the event.
The Department of Education will provide further support for the demonstration held on its traditional route from Lahore Press Club to Edgerton Road.
The petries had previously claimed that the delay violated their fundamental right to freedom of assembly and expression, guaranteed by Articles 16 and 19 in the Constitution of Pakistan.
By 2023, the court had ordered the relevant authorities to facilitate organizers in March.
In a letter to the court, the extra Deputy Commissioner confirmed that a “foolproof security” arrangements had been made to the march, which is now set to take place on February 12, a date chosen to commemorate the National Women’s Day in Pakistan.
The march will include activists from different communities and will raise awareness of gender -related issues, including women’s rights and discrimination. It is expected to draw large crowds from all over Lahore and Pakistan.
Despite the legal victory, some organizers and participants expressed concern about the challenges they faced in securing approval for the event. However, they are now focused on ensuring that the march continues peacefully with full participation
