Islamabad, March 8, 2025 – The Islamabad administration has once again refused to grant a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Aurat March, a yearly demonstration held in honor of International Women’s Day. Despite this obstacle, organizers remain determined to carry out the rally, highlighting their commitment to advocating for women’s rights in Pakistan.

Repeated Denial of Permission

According to the Aurat March Islamabad team, they had submitted a formal request for permission months in advance, but the authorities did not approve their application. In response, the organizers have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to intervene and ensure their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

In a public statement, the group emphasized that for six consecutive years, they have encountered resistance from officials when seeking approval for their march. They stressed that International Women’s Day is a crucial occasion to raise awareness about gender equality and challenge systemic discrimination.

March to Continue Despite Restrictions

Despite the lack of official authorization, Aurat March organizers have announced that they will proceed with their plans. As in previous years, they intend to gather outside the National Press Club before marching towards D-Chowk, a symbolic site for political demonstrations in Islamabad.

“Our rights cannot be silenced by bureaucratic hurdles,” an organizer stated. “We will march, with or without permission, because the struggle for gender justice cannot be postponed.”

Nationwide Challenges for Aurat March

The denial of permission in Islamabad is not an isolated incident. In previous years, Aurat March organizers in other cities, including Lahore and Karachi, have faced similar hurdles. Legal battles have often been necessary to secure the right to protest, with local authorities citing security concerns or societal opposition as reasons for restrictions.

This year, Lahore’s Aurat March organizers also encountered resistance, prompting them to seek legal intervention to challenge the obstacles imposed on their demonstration. The repeated restrictions highlight the broader struggle for freedom of expression and assembly in Pakistan.

Ongoing Fight for Women’s Rights

Despite the challenges, activists remain steadfast in their mission. The Aurat March has become a powerful platform for addressing issues such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and unequal access to education and healthcare.

With or without government approval, this year’s march is set to move forward, sending a strong message about the resilience of Pakistan’s women’s rights movement.