LHC disposes of petition seeking ban on Aurat March 2020

The Lahore High Court has disposed of a petition on Tuesday, that demanded a ban be placed on the Aurat March.

Azhar Siddique filed the petition on February 24, claiming that the march was funded by “anti-state parties” and its “hidden agenda was to spread anarchy, vulgarity, and hatred”.

“If Aurat March 2019 is taken into account, it can clearly be observed that the so-called ‘Aurat March’ is nothing but an anti-state activity aimed at tarnishing the dignity of women and tarnishing the image of Islam”, said the petition.

LHC Chief Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh while hearing the petition on Tuesday remarked that freedom of association was a fundamental right of every citizen and the court cannot ban freedom of expression.

He also ordered the police and personnel of the Federal Investigation Agency to provide complete security to all those participating in the march.

Placards used by marchers should not have offensive content on it, Justice Sheikh further added.

Aurat March is organized every year on March 8 by the women activists to mark the International Women’s Day in different cities of Pakistan.