ISLAMBAD: The Islamabad district administration has refused to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Aurat March rally, an annual event organized to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 9. Despite the setback, organizers have vowed to proceed with the march as scheduled.
Hudya, one of the organizers, expressed disappointment over the administration’s decision, stating that multiple requests for the NOC were denied. “We have been organizing this march every year, and such hurdles are not new,” she said in a television interview. Hudya also revealed that a letter was written to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, but no response was received.
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When asked if the march would be canceled, Hudya firmly replied, “No, we will gather in front of the National Press Club and celebrate International Women’s Day as planned.”
The Aurat March, which began in 2018, has become a significant platform for women in Pakistan to demand their rights and highlight issues such as gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and unequal opportunities. However, it has often faced opposition and restrictions from authorities.
As of now, the Islamabad district administration has not provided any official statement regarding the denial of the NOC. Organizers, however, remain undeterred and are preparing for the event, emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight for women’s rights in Pakistan.
