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Aurat March Islamabad, the organisation behind the annual Women’s Day march in the capital, requested that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif direct the Islamabad administration to grant them a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to hold their march.

The organisation requires an NOC to hold the Aurat March rally at the Islamabad Press Club, a public space, on March 8, which marks the International Women’s Day.

In an open letter posted to Instagram, the march’s organisers informed the premier that despite countless efforts seeking an NOC for the past six years, they were “denied the safety and right to protest”.

“In the past, our organisers have faced brutalisation in the hands of religious fundamentalist groups, police and Islamabad Administration, sending a very negative message to the international community regarding [the] status of women’s rights in Pakistan.”

They highlighted that the International Women’s Day signified the continued struggle for gender equality, the protection of women’s rights and an end to patriarchal oppression. The organisers added that the day provided them a platform to express solidarity, hope and frustrations as they strived for a more inclusive future.

“Prime Minister Sharif, we appeal to you as a leader who has the power and the responsibility to uphold the rights of women to gather and commemorate their day on 8th March, and to be guaranteed that our march is allowed to take place without any unnecessary obstacles.”

The organisation looked forward to the prime minister’s positive response and a swift issuance of the NOC for the Aurat March.

Last month, the Lahore branch of the Aurat March filed a contempt of court case against Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza and several other officers for not approving their request to hold the annual demonstration.

The Lahore High Court was later informed that the Aurat March would hold its demonstration in Lahore on February 12 complete with security from the local police.

DC Raza told the court during the hearing that they have granted permission for the march to be held. A government lawyer submitted a letter to the court, regarding security arrangements made for the march on February 12.