No 'controversial participants' allowed at Aurat March: Lahore admin

Lahore admin warns of 'strict action' for spreading 'controversial content', 'spreading hate' at women's march

LAHORE:

Lahore's local administration has warned Aurat March participants that strict action would be taken against 'controversial participants' violating the no-objection certificate (NOC) conditions.

The march is being held today on the occasion of International Women’s Day today from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Earlier, deputy commissioner (DC) of Lahore, Rafia Haider, had refused permission to organise Aurat March in the provincial capital citing security concerns, alleged public ‘reservation’ and fear of a clash with the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) who have ‘announced a program against the Aurat March’.

However, on Wednesday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) overruled the decision and granted permission to the organisers to hold a rally and arch from the NADRA office in Shimla Pahari to Faletti’s hotel instead of Nasir Park, as initially requested.

Eight terms and conditions were also agreed upon between the organisers and the local administration that were made part of the judgment issued by Justice Anwaar Hussain.

The authorities have thereby issued a NOC with a warning to Aurat March participants that "strict action will be taken against those participants found carrying play cards, banners and posters inscribed with any controversial content" as well as "signals, sketches and slogan spreading hate against a specifics individual, group, gender, and sect".

"The organisers and Lahore's administration will remove the controversial content if someone is found carrying them," the NOC stated.

"The organisers will be preceded under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 over live social media coverage of the objectionable or controversial content shared by the organisers," it added.

Participants were also warned against the "misuse of the loudspeaker" and assembling at Mall Road.

Furthermore, it stated that "if any controversial participant enters into the Aurat March, they will be expelled by the organisers of the Aurat March" and that the event would be video recorded to ensure strict adherence to the terms agreed upon.

It is worth mentioning that the annual Aurat March event has stirred up controversy since its initiation in 2018, particularly owing to placards and images shared on social and mainstream media from the event.

In retaliation, some religious parties have lashed out at the participants and announced reactionary protests this year.