Lahore High Court Has Finally Granted Permission For Aurat March to Be Held on February 12

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has officially granted permission for the Aurat March to take place in the city on February 12, resolving a legal dispute that arose earlier regarding the demonstration.

The march, an annual event held to celebrate women’s rights and raise awareness on International Women's Day on 8 March, was initially met with resistance from local authorities, but the court's ruling has paved the way for it to proceed smoothly.

The controversy began when the Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) denied permission for the march, citing concerns over security and logistics. This led the organizers, including activists Leena Ghani, Neelum Hussain, Fatima Jan, and Shireen Umair, to file a contempt of court petition, accusing officials of delaying the necessary approvals and failing to honor a 2023 court ruling.

The petition was heard by Justice Anwaar Hussain, who presided over the case on Thursday.

"See you at Justice Anwar Hussain's courtroom! ✊", they said on Aurat March Lahore's Instagram. 

During the proceedings, the DC presented a report from the Punjab government, confirming that permission for the march had now been granted. The report also outlined security measures that would be implemented to ensure the safety of participants.

A government lawyer submitted an official letter to the court, detailing arrangements for "foolproof security" by local police and law enforcement agencies.

In response, the court dismissed the contempt petition, as the authorities had addressed the organizers' concerns and granted approval for the march.

The court also directed the authorities to provide comprehensive security to participants, ensuring the event could be held without incident.

The march will follow its traditional route, starting from the Lahore Press Club at Shimla Paharri and ending at Egerton Road, outside the PIA office. This route has been used in previous years, and the march itself will be held a month earlier than usual to commemorate National Women’s Day in Pakistan, which is observed on February 12.

This date marks a historic event from 1983, when women in Lahore gathered on Mall Road to protest against the discriminatory Law of Evidence under General Zia's regime. The protestors faced police brutality and arrests, making the day a significant milestone in the country’s history of women's activism.

This year’s march aims to honor the legacy of that historic protest, and its organizers have expressed their commitment to continuing the fight for women's rights.

The event will include speeches, performances, and other forms of expression to raise awareness about gender inequality, violence against women, and other pressing issues.

With the court’s approval and the promise of robust security measures, the Aurat March in Lahore on February 12 is set to proceed as planned, marking another important chapter in the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Pakistan.