Pakistan

Aurat March organisers assured of Bilawal's support amid threats

PPP chairman says party will not tolerate any offence against gender equality

News Desk March 16, 2019

Women’s rights are human rights, says PPP chairman in Karachi meeting. PHOTO: TWITTER/@BBhuttoZardari

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that his party will not tolerate any offence against the struggle for gender equality and women’s rights.

The remarks were made during a meeting with a delegation of women’s rights activists, led by Sheema Kirmani, which called on him at Bilawal House in Karachi on Saturday, said a statement issued by the PPP media cell.

Senator Sherry Rehman was also present on the occasion.

Reminding the rights activists of PPP’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment, Bilawal assured them of the party’s protection against any threats from anti-women and patriarchal forces.

Aurat March organisers highlight online death threats

The PPP chairman extended his enduring support to members of Aurat March and its activists, who he added were struggling for their genuine and legitimate rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

Bilawal also took to Twitter to express solidarity with the women's rights activists.

Pleasure meeting some organizers of #AuratMarch. Women reclaiming social, political & public spaces important for progress. Bigoted, misogynistic & vitriolic reaction of some is expected in a patriarchal society. Women’s rights are human rights & human rights are women’s rights. pic.twitter.com/KSeRj6CMNe
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 16, 2019

The meeting takes place amid death and rape threats against organisers of the march held on International Women’s Day, which prompted complaints from some groups. They said were looking into filing a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) about the online harassment.

Sindh Assembly legislator registers complaint against Aurat March organisers

The days following the march have seen social media attacks on women, while some prominent men have complained about “obscene” signs carried by protesters.

A member of the country’s largest religious political party filed a complaint with police in Karachi where 7,000 women attended the march, saying the protesters “provoked religious sentiments” and spread vulgarity.