WEB DESK: Aurat March Islamabad on Wednesday held a press conference at the Islamabad Press Club, reiterating its commitment to feminist politics and demanding an end to state repression, gender-based violence, and environmental degradation. The organisers raised concerns over consistent state-imposed restrictions on their right to assembly and highlighted that since 2020, applications for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the march have been ignored, with authorities this year directing them to Parade Ground instead of allowing them to march from Press Club to D-Chowk. They demanded the immediate and unconditional issuance of an NOC for all future Aurat Marches.
Under the theme “Feminist Politics vs. Patriarchal State,” the collective presented a list of demands aimed at addressing human rights and social justice concerns.
The organisers called for the repeal of laws such as the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act (PAPO) 2024 and amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), arguing that these laws curtail fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. They also urged an immediate end to enforced disappearances of Baloch, Pashtun, and Sindhi activists and journalists.
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The body also strongly opposed environmentally destructive projects and reiterated their long-standing demand for March 8, International Women’s Day, to be declared a national holiday.
One of the key demands was for the government to declare gender-based violence a national emergency and implement a zero-tolerance approach. The organisers called for strict enforcement of laws against underage marriages and full implementation of the Transgender Rights Protection Act. They also condemned the forced deportation of Afghan individuals, urging the government to adopt policies that provide safe and legal pathways for refugees.
In addition, they demanded amendments to the blasphemy law to prevent its misuse and an end to the persecution of religious minorities.