Karachi Aurat March Receives NOC Ahead of Mother’s Day Gathering
The Sindh Government has officially granted permission for the upcoming Aurat March in Karachi, but authorities attached 28 conditions to the approval. The decision has sparked debate over freedom of expression, protest rights, and restrictions placed on participants.
The march is scheduled to take place on Sunday near Sea View as part of activities linked to Mother’s Day. Organisers had earlier raised concerns after authorities delayed issuing the no-objection certificate, commonly known as an NOC.
According to official documents, the South Deputy Commissioner, Javed Nabi Khoso, approved the event for Beach View Park between 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
The approval came days after organisers publicly appealed to Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and complained about administrative delays and temporary detentions of activists connected to the event.
Authorities Impose Restrictions on Slogans, Clothing, and Political Content
The NOC issued by district authorities contains strict conditions regarding speeches, banners, slogans, clothing, and participation during the event.
Officials instructed organisers to ensure peaceful conduct and comply with all laws throughout the gathering. The administration also prohibited anti-state slogans, anti-religion remarks, and content described as hateful, provocative, unethical, or anti-social.
Participants were also directed not to wear what authorities described as “objectionable clothing.” In addition, the NOC prohibited any promotion related to the LGBTQ community during the march.
Authorities further banned participation or representation from groups including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz.
The administration instructed speakers not to criticize state institutions, national ideology, or the armed forces during speeches at the event.
Organisers were also required to maintain security arrangements, conduct participant searches, coordinate with police, and follow instructions from law enforcement agencies.
Security Measures and Surveillance Conditions Raise Concerns
Authorities introduced extensive security conditions for the march. Organisers must arrange walkthrough gates, metal detectors, volunteer searches, and coordinate with bomb disposal teams before the event begins.
Parking areas must remain at least 200 yards away from the venue, while volunteers are required to assist with crowd management and vehicle checks.
The NOC also warned that authorities reserve the right to change the route, shift the venue, or end the event early if necessary. Organisers were instructed to provide police officials with a full list of volunteers participating in the march.
The administration stated that Aurat March organisers would remain fully responsible for any law and order situation during the event.
Aurat March Lahore Criticizes Restrictions
Following the issuance of the NOC, the Aurat March Lahore strongly criticized the restrictions imposed by authorities.
In a statement, the group described the conditions as oppressive and harmful to constitutional rights related to protest and free speech.
Activists argued that protests are naturally meant to challenge power structures and social norms. They stated that restrictions on provocative slogans undermine the purpose of public demonstrations.
The Lahore chapter also criticized the clothing restrictions, questioning who has the authority to define what qualifies as objectionable attire.
The group further objected to restrictions involving LGBTQ-related participation, arguing that transgender and gender-diverse communities remain among the most marginalized groups in society.
Activists also raised concerns over the requirement to submit volunteer lists, calling it a form of surveillance that could compromise the safety of participants.
The controversy surrounding the Aurat March NOC has reignited national debate over civil liberties, women’s rights activism, and the limits imposed on public protests in Pakistan.
Despite the restrictions, organisers confirmed that preparations for the march continue and that participants are expected to gather on Sunday as planned.
