Shaheer Ahmed
Participating women, men, and children in Lahore’s Aurat March 2023, which began on International Women’s Day, March 8, solidified their stance against patriarchy and violence against women on that day. Later that day, the event’s organizers on Twitter claimed that “YouTubers sparked violence” and “disrupted” the march because of their presence.
Because of the quick actions of male allies and the police, a potentially dangerous situation was defused and the March was not disturbed. We appreciate it, but this unacceptable behavior must end immediately. Just read the report. There is no mention of the YouTubers by name in the tweet from the event’s organizers.
We are dismayed and angry at the violence created by YouTubers at the Lahore march. Things could have easily escalated & disrupted the March, but was averted due to the timely intervention of male allies & the police. We are thankful for that — but this misbehaviour cannot go on!
— Aurat March Lahore (@AuratMarch) March 8, 2023
Ladies on the Aurat march were threatened and beaten upon which the action was taken after some time. But the YouTubers shouldn’t have been allowed to come at the first place and create violence during this march. Still, the women stood strong and kept marching towards the D-chowk.
We were threatened, we were beaten and attacked but all of that was worth it for that one moment when our truck finally moved towards the D-chowk, that feeling will remain with me for ages for sure! What a remarkable women we have! @Aurat_marchisb #AuratMarch2023 pic.twitter.com/l27ne1OLr8
— Syeda Kashmala (@ESehar) March 9, 2023
People have said that this isn’t the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Do Read our article: Will Aurat March take place in Lahore this Year?
It's called Islamic Republic of Pakistan#AuratMarch2023 pic.twitter.com/S17xE7mZsX
— Ahmed ibne- Sakeena (@Ahmedibnesakeen) March 9, 2023
Previously, DC of Lahore Rafia Haider had denied permission to organize the Aurat March 2023 in the provincial capital, citing security concerns, supposed public ‘reservation,’ and fear of a fight with the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), who had ‘organized a program against the Aurat March.
Before pointing and humiliating a very decent officer, please watch this nonsense @SalehMughal marchers of this shitty #AuratMarch2023 just spoiled there case like always @Aurat_marchisb has always ruined the noble narrative for rights of women by there pathetic actions & slogan https://t.co/I6Ai2uV0Er
— Ahmed Subhan Janjua (@91Subhan) March 8, 2023
This Aurat March was nonetheless a complete chaos which they said YouTubers created. On Wednesday, however, the Lahore High Court (LHC) reversed the lower court’s ruling and allowed the rally’s organizers to proceed with their plans to hold an arch from the NADRA office in Shimla Pahari to Faletti’s hotel. The verdict announced by Judge Anwaar Hussain also includes eight criteria agreed upon by the organizers and the local authority.
