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Since its inception in 2018, the Aurat March has been held annually on or around International Women’s Day, symbolising a collective feminist tradition of protest and resistance.

In a significant shift from tradition, the organisers of Aurat Marches across the country have announced that the annual women’s rights protests will take place on multiple dates this year instead of solely on March 8. Save for 2023, when Karachi’s Aurat March was held on a Sunday to accommodate working women’s attendance, Aurat Marches in Pakistan have always been held on March 8.

This change, however, does not apply to Aurat March Islamabad, which will continue its tradition of protesting in the capital on March 8.

Last week, Aurat March Karachi revealed that its demonstration this year would take place on May 11. Now, a detailed post on the Aurat March Karachi Instagram page explains the rationale behind this decision.

The post also reveals additional dates for marches in other cities while introducing a historic first: Mirpurkhas will be hosting its own Aurat March this year, marking an expansion of the movement’s reach.

The year of the Aurat March caravan

In a statement titled ‘2025: The year of the Aurat March Caravan’, the Aurat March Karachi organisers emphasised that while traditions hold value, Aurat March has always been about challenging norms and making space for diverse feminist expressions.

“For the first time, the marches in Lahore, Multan, Karachi, and Mirpurkhas will take place on newer dates but with the same passion,” the statement read.

While the protest in Lahore takes place today (Feb 12) — coinciding with Pakistan’s National Women’s Day — the protest in Multan will follow on February 23, while Karachi and Mirpurkhas will reclaim Mother’s Day on May 11 as a day of feminist resistance.

The decision to hold marches on different days is rooted in the unique ground realities of each city, according to the organisers who prioritised consulting with the communities they represent before announcing the new dates.

The statement went on to highlight the importance of March 8, particularly in Islamabad, which has faced repeated attempts at suppression. Given these challenges, Aurat March Islamabad will uphold the date, reaffirming its significance as a hard-fought space for feminist activism.

“So while defying the tradition of marking 8 March as the Aurat March Day in favour of newer dates is part of our feminist resistance, so is asserting our right to the day that we have fought so hard to carve out space on, ie 8 March.

“This is especially true for a city like Islamabad, which has repeatedly braved heinous suppression by the state and religious right wing,” the statement read.

The 2025 Aurat March schedule:

• February 12: Aurat March Lahore (National Women’s Day)
• February 23: Aurat March Multan
• March 8: Aurat March Islamabad (International Women’s Day)
• May 11: Aurat March Karachi and Mirpurkhas (Mother’s Day)

The announcement concluded with a rallying cry: “Chaahay jis bhi din Aurat March ho, aao hamaray saath chalo [Regardless of what day Aurat March takes place, come support us]!“