Aurat March organizers move LHC for contempt proceedings against Lahore DC, CTO

The Lahore High Court has requested responses from Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and other relevant officials regarding a contempt petition submitted by the organizers of the Aurat March Lahore.

The petitioners informed the Court of their intention to conduct the Aurat March on February 12, asserting that the local administration was failing to process their application and employing delaying tactics, thereby not adhering to the Court's 2023 directive.

The petitioners, including Khawar Mumtaz, Leena Ghani, Neelam Hussain, Fatima Jan, and Shereen Umair, have approached the Lahore High Court to challenge the actions of the local administration.

Justice Anwaar Hussain of the Lahore High Court presided over the case involving the Lahore Deputy Commissioner, Operations DG Faisal Kamran, and Chief Traffic Officer Athar Waheed. Justice Anwaar has requested a report from the officials by February 3.

The organizers of the Aurat March contend that the officials are neglecting to enforce a 2023 order from the Lahore High Court, which mandated that the offices of the Lahore Deputy Commissioner, Operations DG, and Traffic Office ensure security arrangements for the petitioners and organizers of the Aurat March.

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The petitioners argued that the march aims to raise awareness about women's rights and gender-related issues.

The event typically garners significant participation from women, gender minorities, and allies throughout Lahore and Pakistan.

This year, the march is scheduled for February 12, following its traditional route from Lahore Press Club to Edgerton Road, adjacent to the PIA Office. This route has been utilized for the Aurat March in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.