Lahore deputy commissioner rejects permission for holding Aurat March, fears clash with Jamaat-e-Islami

LAHORE, March 4 (SABAH): The deputy commissioner (DC) of Lahore, Rafia Haider, has 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 who have announced a program against the Aurat March.

The organising committee of Aurat March had applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the DC to hold a rally at Nasir Bagh, followed by a march around the park. However, DC Haider rejected the application, citing security concerns and threat alerts.

“Your application has been examined and it transpires that in wake of the current security scenario, threat alerts and law and order situation, and in light of activities like controversial cards and banners for awareness of women’s rights and strong reservations of [the] general public and religious organisations especially Jamaat-e-Islami, who had also announced a program against the Aurat March.”

The DC claimed that there was a fear of conflict in two groups and therefore denied permission for the holding of the Aurat March at Nasir Bagh as well as previous march venues.

“NOC may not be issued for holding Aurat March/ Convention at Alhamra Hall, Mall Road / Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Egerton Road, rally from Press Club, Shimla Hill to Faisal Chowk, Mall Road and also at Nasir Bagh, Lahore”. She maintained that the NOC plea was rejected “in order to avoid any law and order situation mishap.