It’s that time of year again, when people fail to recall all the incidents of violence against women in Pakistan and question ‘why do we need an Aurat March?’. However, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri went a step further and called for a ban on Aurat Azadi March.
Noor-ul-Haq Qadri penned a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan listing several ‘suggestions’. This includes banning Aurat March, enforcing the observance of ‘hijab day’ on International Women’s Day.
He thinks that the slogans at the Aurat March are against the Islamic social system.
“It is said that the Aurat March is for the protection of women’s rights. The kind of banners, placards and slogans are used in the march give the impression that it is more about the societal system suggested in Islam then the women’s rights.”
Of course, women’s rights activists, including Senator Sherry Rehman, called out the letter for what it is. A move to further hinder and usurp women’s rights.
“Such a statement from the federal minister is astonishing. March 8 is celebrated as Women’s Day internationally. What do you want to prove by banning the march of defenseless women? Pakistan condemns the actions of India towards Muslim women, but on the other hand, they want to impose a ban on Aurat March in Pakistan,” said Sherry Rehman.
وفاقی وزیربرائے مذہبی امور نورالحق قادری کا 8 مارچ کو عورت مارچ پر پابندی عائد کرنے متعلق وزیراعظم کو خط قابل تشویش ہے۔ وفاقی وزیر کی طرف سے اس طرح کی بات حیران کن ہے۔ 8 مارچ عالمی سطح پر عورتوں کا دن منایا جاتا ہے۔ آپ نہتی عورتوں کے مارچ پر پابندی لگا کر کیا کیا ثابت کرے گے؟1/3 pic.twitter.com/sy3LLxlHUd
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) February 17, 2022
A ban on Aurat March would mean taking away the civil right to stage demonstrations, a given for all citizens of a democratic state. Additionally, when will people learn that it is not okay to tell women what they can and cannot wear.
After much backlash, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri issued a statement issued on Thursday, saying that he didn’t call for a ban on Aurat March and he only meant to promote women’s right to wear hijab. How forcing women to wear something translate as promoting their right to wear a hijab still makes no sense.
“On this day, the government should announce International Hijab Day to express solidarity with Muslim women around the world who are facing resistance in exercising their religious freedom and basic human rights.”
Every year, on International Women’s Day, women’s rights bodies organize ‘Aurat Azadi March’ across the country to raise their voice for women’s rights and spread awareness.
Naturally in a patriarchal society, this draws ire and becomes controversial. Particularly with the allegations of obscenity and immorality. Last year, a disinformation campaign was carried out against the Aurat March organizers on Twitter as a doctored video with blasphemous slogans was circulated.
