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Tag: aurat march

  • Khan’s rally in Lahore creates hurdles for Aurat March participants

    Khan’s rally in Lahore creates hurdles for Aurat March participants

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced the start of his party’s election campaign in Lahore on Tuesday. He said that the campaign will start with a rally from March 8 which is celebrated as International Women’s Day. In honour of the day, many women and marginalised people participate in Aurat March.

    Despite the announcement of the rally, people came out in huge numbers to participate in Aurat March. However, many of them were stuck in traffic for hours, especially on Mall road, Lahore where police were deployed for Khan’s rally.

    https://twitter.com/ravenclueless/status/1633408523475271680?s=20

    Later in the evening on Wednesday, Khan called off the party’s rally in Lahore in the wake of the Punjab government’s crackdown on participants following the imposition of Section 144 in the provincial capital.

    Now, the Punjab Home Department has also banned “all kinds of protests, demonstrations and sit-ins” in Lahore for seven days, citing the “overall security situation” in the wake of recent “wave of terrorism and threat alerts”.

    Surprisingly, it has been reported that the home department sent a letter to PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid that public gatherings are not advisable as women march is also going to take place. But clearly, they didn’t care.

    Chairman Khan went ahead as always, leaving us wondering that didn’t PTI female leaders tell Khan about Aurat March.

  • Inspired by Aurat March, here are feminist songs suggested by women on Twitter

    Inspired by Aurat March, here are feminist songs suggested by women on Twitter

    Aurat March is a day of calling attention to the struggle for equality, as women march on the streets in cities across Pakistan to raise awareness about the numerous issues they face everyday. In spirit of this celebration, we have to pay homage to the powerful feminist anthems that have championed women to be fearless and have called for women to be raised to an equal bar with men.
    When this twitter user asked her followers to give suggestions about Pakistani feminist songs women could listen to in celebration of the day.

    https://twitter.com/apniISPdot/status/1632826963025973252?s=20

    Soon, women flooded her comment section with suggestions and we’re more than happy to share them with our audience!

    1 Hum Dekhien Gey by Iqbal Bano


    The celebrated poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz was written to counter Zia’s brutal dictatorship who had imprisoned Faiz. Legendary singer Iqbal Bano held a performance at Alhamra where she wore a black sari and sung this poem in defiance of Zia’s ban on saris.

    2 Mujhe Apnay Jeenay Ka Haq Chahiye by Tahira Syed and Roshaneh Zafar ft Shabana Azmi

    Written by celebrated Urdu poet and writer Amjad Islam Amjad, this song served as the title OST for the drama ‘Akhri Station’. It gives voice to the struggles women face and their desire to break free from the chains of patriarchy.

    3 Intehai Shauq by Hadiqa Kiani

    Hadiqa Kiani is a beloved Pakistani actress and singer who has consistently acted in dramas that raised issues faced by women, and for her efforts to provide relief to the flood victims in Balochistan. This song was suggested by women on Twitter because it motivates people to overcome their struggles and setbacks to keep striving for a better future.

    4 Rajkumari by Meesha Shafi


    Actress and singer Meesha Shafi has always used her platform to raise awareness about sexual harassment, and providing easier access for women to file cases in court and hold their abusers accountable. Last year, she dropped this feminist anthem as a surprise, to champion women from everyday life to never forget that they’re queens!

    5 Izzat by Jaan-e-Haseena

    Hussain Zaidi who goes by ‘Jaan-e-Haseena’ on social media, is a transgender rapper who wrote this powerful anthem for the Sindh Moorat March, to demand spaces for more trans women in Pakistan.

    6 Chup by Zeb & Haniya

    Fans have loved the way female desire and playfulness is the central theme to the song, so this is a must add in our feminist playlist!

  • In spirit of Aurat March, watch these five dramas that champion powerful women

    In spirit of Aurat March, watch these five dramas that champion powerful women

    Azadi Mubarak, saheliyon.
    Today is Aurat March, the day when women march in the streets to champion social, economic and political issues for females across Pakistan. It’s an important day to celebrate the struggles of the feminist movement that called for equal rights for women everywhere in Pakistan.


    However, the struggles of women weren’t just present on the roads but have been recorded and displayed on our television screens for decades. Pakistani films and dramas are powerful tools to spread awareness on social issues, and have consistently given voice to the demands of women for years. Thanks to powerful women working in the entertainment industry like Bee Gul, Sania Saeed and Haseena Moin, there are several dramas that have spoken about feminist issues and also championed powerful women. So to set up your feminist-themed movie night, here are some dramas you should definitely give a watch!

    1 Dobara

    Pakistani dramas OST

    Penned by Sarwat Nazir and starring the multi-talented Hadiqa Kiana, the drama explores the life of a middle-aged woman who gets a second chance at life after the death of her husband. Forced into marriage when she was only 16 years old, Mehru Nisa decides to take a stand and do everything she was restricted from such as taking tennis classes, jogging in the park and even dancing at her son’s wedding, despite the backlash she faces from her in-laws. This drama was lauded by fans for centering around the life of a middle-aged woman at a time when they are pushed to be relevant only as mothers or grandmothers.

    2 Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain

    Bee Gul has been celebrated by Pakistani women for championing the issues women face in her dramas, being upfront about bringing stories told by women to the screen and dismantling misogyny. The anthology series which debuted on Hum TV was a collection of short stories about women and the struggles they faced in Pakistani society, discussing issues like sexual assault, relationships and even homosexuality, which had gotten earned it a notice from PEMRA.

    3 Kuch Ankahi

    The powerful drama has been dominating conversations since its release because of how it completely changed how women’s stories are told in the entertainment industry. Focusing on a family living in Karachi, the series doesn’t shy away from discussing issues like forced marriages, child sexual assault, property rights of women and even body shaming.

    4 Sar-e-Rah

    Sar-e-Rah

    Another drama that has been lauded by women for championing female friendships and showcasing how powerful women can become once they learn to be independent and make their own living. The limited series follows the life of Rabia, who decides to become the breadwinner of the family after her father suffers from a heart attack, and persists through despite being criticized by her family. With her journey, she comes across women from different backgrounds who face issues like infertility, social media trolling or harassment at the workplace, but Sar-e-Rah demonstrates how women can overcome anything with the help of another powerful woman.

    5 Tanhaiyaan

    Haseena Moin will always be remembered in history as a champion for women-centered stories. She did it fearlessly in the era of dictatorship of General Zia. Her drama ‘Tanhaiyaan’ is still celebrated as one of the finest feminist dramas that championed original, independent women on screen who didn’t just obsess around the men in their lives. It explores the lives of two sisters Sanya and Zara, who move in with their aunt after the death of their parents, and lose their house due to their father’s debt.

  • PTI rally, Aurat March in limbo after Section 144 imposed in Lahore

    PTI rally, Aurat March in limbo after Section 144 imposed in Lahore

    Ahead of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally and the Aurat March scheduled to take place on Wednesday, the caretaker government of Punjab has imposed Section 144 in Lahore.

    In a notice released by the Home Department, it was said that rallies and protests are taking place on a daily basis in the provincial capital, disrupting traffic and posing security threats.

    The notice, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shakeel Ahmed, also said that terrorist activities in such gatherings have led to the martyrdom of civilians and policemen alike.

    “Hence, in the context of the prevailing overall security situation in the wake of the recent wave of terrorism and latest threat alerts, it has been necessary to impose Section 144 of Cr.P.C, 1898 on holding of all kinds of assemblies, gatherings, sits-in, rallies, processions, demonstrations, jalsas, dharnas, protests and such like other activities across the district Lahore to avert any untoward incident,” the notification read.

    PTI was scheduled to begin it’s election campaign with a rally led by Imran Khan passing through various spots in the city before culminating at Data Darbar.

    Meanwhile, Aurat March was scheduled to begin from NADRA office near Shimla Pahari.

  • Economy is a feminist issue, Aurat March releases its manifesto (and we couldn’t agree more)

    Aurat March has selected it’s theme for this year: Feminism in the Times of Crisis, and the social movement has released a statement on their Instagram page detailing their demands from the government to improve the economic conditions of the country.
    “The economic crisis in Pakistan is not just a financial problem, it is a humanitarian crisis that affects the most vulnerable people in our society. The government’s reliance on Western lenders is a short-term solution that will have long-term consequences for the poor and marginalized. The current economic policies of the government are exacerbating inequality and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. We must prioritize pro-poor growth and invest in the well-being of its most marginalized citizens,” the statement reads.

    The manifesto went on to address current talks between the Pakistani government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stating how the measures implemented due to these loans will impact women, working class and the rural poor directly:
    “The government is relying on bailout loans from Western lenders like IMF to starve off an impending economic collapse. These loans come with conditions like privaitization of public institutions and services, removal of electricity and fuel subsidies, increase in indirect taxes, and cuts in social expenditures. These measures will impact those who are already marginalized. Women, working-class people, and rural poor are already caught up in the crushing cycles of poverty, struggling to survive amidst structural issues like mounting debt, and situational economic blows like COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and unprecedented destruction in the wake of the 2022 floods.”
    The movement went on to reveal that global rankings show Pakistan ranks the lowest regarding per capita income, health, and education in South Asia, and needs to introduce economic policies that prioritize the poor and marginalized of the country:
    “Global rankings increasingly evidence the need for Pakistan to prioritize pro-poor growth that ensures the wellbring of its most marginalized. The country has the lowest HDI rankings for per capita income, health, and education in South Asia. Even Bangladesh and Nepal, two of the least developed countries in the region, have better rankings. Pakistan’s expenditure on defense is higher than the combined expenditure on health and education.”
    The note ended with the movement demanding that the government introduce economic policies that prioritized the well being of the working class and poor of Pakistan:
    “We demand decent work and living wages for all residents, including regularization of temporary work and the expansion of social protection coverage. Secondly, IMF-driven policies that benefit polices that benefit global capitalism at the expense of all the poor and marginalized should be stopped. Finally, we demand rollback of budget cuts in public institutions, the reinstallment of HEC scholarships, and the implementation of survivor-centric welfare systemsn as well as quality education and healthcare for all.”

    Read their complete statement here:

  • Aurat March not allowed to take place at same venue as Haya March, security to be withdrawn if location not changed, warns administration

    Aurat March not allowed to take place at same venue as Haya March, security to be withdrawn if location not changed, warns administration

    Aurat March, scheduled to take place on March 8 to protest injustices against women and minorities has been denied permission to hold a public rally by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider.

    While talking exclusively to The Current, activist and one of the volunteers of Aurat March, Leena Ghani, said that they had applied for a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) on February 13 for the march to be held on the decided date. However, the administration backed out at the last moment.

    “At the time, in a meeting with deputy commissioner Rafia, she assured us. However, later she sent a rejection letter,” Ghani revealed.

    She said that in the letter, the administration has also banned them from gathering at Lahore Press Club, from where the march typically starts every year.

    About the meeting they had with Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations on Friday, she mentioned that they kept on insisting on changing Aurat March venue. “It seems like they have promised Nasir Bagh to Haya March organisers for a gathering, that’s why they want us to pressurise now.”

    She also added that police have said that security won’t be provided if they don’t change the venue. However, the organisers remained adamant that security should be provided regardless of the fact that where they want to protest.

    Moreover, she mentioned that NOC is just a formality, and in the past, a verbal agreement used to take place.

    “NOC is not needed in order to exercise your constitutional right to march,” said Ghani.

    Now, she said that they are going to move Lahore High Court (LHC) to challenge the decision.

    Sabahat Rizvi challenges denial of NOC to Aurat March

    Earlier, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) Secretary Sabahat Rizvi challenged the decision of DC Haider.

    The development took place after DC’s decision was condemned and criticised by organisations including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

    Many people have argued that it is an attempt to suppress women’s voices and prevent them from exercising their constitutional rights.

    ‘We will march’: Aurat March determined despite NOC denial

    NOC was denied on the grounds of “security concerns, controversial banners and posters, strong reservations by the general public and religious organisations and the likelihood of clashes with members of Jamaat-i-Islami’s Haya March.”

    Reacting to the denial of the NOC, organisers have remained adamant that they will march on the decided date as they don’t require a NOC to exercise their constitutional rights.

    “Women, khawaja sara community, transgender persons, gender non-conforming people, and allies of the Aurat March have the right to assembly under Article 16 of the Constitution of Pakistan,” they said.

    They highlighted that “large crowds are allowed to gather for PSL, but a peaceful gathering of women and gender minorities is being silenced and denied their constitutional right to assembly.”

    They added the administration has forgotten that the courts have already upheld their right to hold Aurat March in 2020. 

    It is not the first time that the city’s authorities have imposed such a restriction. Last year, the organisers in Lahore had been urged to cancel the rally over safety concerns. The march was also arbitrarily cut short by the district administration despite being given permission.

  • Aurat March 2023: Feminism in the time of crisis

    Aurat March 2023: Feminism in the time of crisis

    Feminist social movement Aurat March has unveiled their theme for this year: Feminism in the time of crisis.


    The movement elaborated on the significance behind this theme on Twitter, revealing that it will address the ongoing security, climate and economic issues currently plaguing the country.

    “We demand a feminist response to these crisis: one that centers the voices and experiences of one of the most affected and prioritizes justice and equity for all.

    These responses must be democratic and equitable. A Pakistan plagued by regional, ethnic and class inequity is unacceptable. We cannot afford to ignore the intersectional impacts of these crises any longer.

    Pakistan is plagued with challenges on multiple fronts including security and safety crisis, economic crisis, climate crisis and a relentless crisis of gendered violence. We know that these issues are deeply rooted in the patriarchal system that prioritize masculine politics and ignores the needs and rights of gender minorities and marginalized communities.

    It’s time to demand a better future for all.

    Join us on 8th March.”

  • Six Pakistani dramas that revolve around female friendship

    Six Pakistani dramas that revolve around female friendship

    Pakistani dramas aren’t the first option one would think of when looking for strong female representation and well written, complex characters. Pakistani screenwriters and drama creators have for long refused to acknowledge the power of storytelling. They refuse to believe it is necessary to have positive depictions of women on screen rather than relying on the same age-old mantra ‘aurat he aurat ke sabse bari dushman hoti hai.’


    Our television screens are littered with tropes that demonize women who actually seek their own independence rather than being obsessed men. Characters like the gold digger, the career-obsessed heartless woman, or fighting saas/ bahu are the norm. It seems like most dramas are obsessed with getting the right amount of misogynist and sexist content in order to get better ratings.


    However, there are a few dramas that were able to get representation right and give the viewers depictions of what wholesome friendships can do to a woman’s life. In the spirit of the upcoming Aurat March, here is our selection of Pakistani shows that have gotten female friendships represented properly.

    1 Akhri Station (2018)

    Written by Amna Mufti and directed by Sarmad Khosat, the series is a wonderful depiction of how women suffering from abuse and trauma can come together to revel in their pain and find their catharsis together. At a train station in Lahore, a group of women meet up and begin opening up to each other about the kind of suffering they had undergone. Produced by Kashf Foundation, the mini series didn’t shy away from exploring tabooed topics like sexual abuse, mental illness, HIV/ AIDS and acid attacks.

    2 Churails (2020)

    Written and directed by Asim Abbassi, the drama made waves across Pakistan when it was released in 2020. It is now regarded as a powerful feminist drama that centers around women coming together to take revenge on their abusers. When stay-at-home mother Sara Khan finds out that her husband, Jameel, has been cheating on her with several women, she vows to get back at him. After blackmailing him to send her money, she and a group of close friends open a secret agency, disguised as a boutique, where they help other women who are suffering from abuse or are unhappy in their marriages.

    3 Sar-e-Rah (2022- on going)

    One of the most well-rated dramas currently playing on ARY, it accurately captures how one woman who breaks away the shackles of patriarchy can help other women do the same, regardless of being from different backgrounds. When Rania’s father suffers a heart attack, his family loses their source of income. She decides to step up and follow his footsteps to become a taxi driver. At first, Rania faces immense difficulties because of harassment and backlash from strangers, as well as from family members who keep taunting her with ‘log kya kahenge’, but she refuses to let harsh criticism keep her from becoming the breadwinner. Soon, Rania is able to use her power and knowledge to help other women suffering from the same issues.

    4 Tanhiyaan (1985)

    When it comes to powerful dramas, Tanhaiyaan will always remain part of the discussion for being one of the earliest dramas depicting women living their lives to the fullest, and refusing to obsess about a man’s approval. The legendary Haseena Moin had written powerful, complex female characters and championed social issues in her dramas. The show revolves around two sisters, Zara and Saniya, who are visiting their aunt in Karachi when they find out that their parents have passed away in a car accident. Because of their father’s debts, the sister’s lose their home and have to adjust to their new life in Karachi, while Zara fixates on becoming rich and regaining the house and furniture she had lost.

    5 Raqeeb Se (2021)

    Penned by the powerful Bee Gul, the drama revolves around the issue of domestic violence and women finding solace in each other’s company to escape their abuse. Sakina escapes her abusive husband’s home by arriving at her former lover Maqsood’s home with her daughter, where she meets his wife. Seeking shelter and rejected by Maqsood, it’s his wife, Hania who helps Sakina find ground in their new home.

    6 Kuch Ankahi (2022- on going)

    If you’re reminiscing about the days of PTV dramas that had not held back from addressing social issues, then this drama is the perfect blend of comedy and social awareness. The plot revolves around the three elder sisters and their home in Karachi, where their father is facing pressure from his siblings on the ownership of their home. The eldest sister, Samiya is being pressurized by her mother to marry someone and facing taunts about her age, and her siblings, as well as phupoo, help her find her own voice.

  • Iffat Omar, others slam Pakistan Literature Festival for appointing alleged harasser as panelist

    Iffat Omar, others slam Pakistan Literature Festival for appointing alleged harasser as panelist

    Celebrity Iffat Omar and other Pakistani feminists have called out Pakistan Literature Festival for appointing Ali Zafar as a panelist for a conversation with actor Yasir Hussain.
    Activist and makeup artist Leena Ghani shared the announcement by Alhamra on her social media page, and revealed that the organization had previously refused to allow Aurat March to use their grounds for an event on the grounds that the march ‘was too controversial and had a negative image’.
    “In 2020 Alhamara declined Aurat March’s request to let them use the Alhamara grounds for their event because Aurat March was “too controversial and had a negative image”. Yet they have no issues when a sexual harasser is invited? Is he not controversial with a negative image?!” she asked.

    “What makes him an expert and what contribution does he have for the youth? He’s neither youthful nor did he ever support the young emerging talent. Even if we keep the harassment aside, there is nothing about him that fits the topic. So many other relevant people to choose from,” Ghani had further written.

    Other women on Twitter have also called out Hussain for sharing a platform with an alleged harasser, when he had previously applauded his wife, Iqra Aziz, for refusing to act in a drama with one.

    Actor and model Iffat Omar also took to Twitter to protest, by revealing that she had been excited to give a talk at the event, however chose to back out when she learned about the alleged harasser’s panel.

    “Pakistan Literature Festival, Lahore, thank you for inviting me as a moderator for a discussion today. I was excited, but then I learned that #PLF made an alleged harasser a part of the event. I cannot share the platform with an Alleged Harasser, so I am boycotting. @ACPKHI#harassment#Boycott.”

    Women have also criticized the event for not including female authors for panels this year. Editor and writer Mehr Husayn criticized the PLF organizers in a Twitter thread, where she shared that there were no recent authors included in the lineup.

    “I cannot help but marvel at the staggering disconnect the old guard has with modern Pakistan. Case in point. Not ONE recent author in this. Do better @ACPKHI I expected @thebankofpunjab to do their research. Where are the new authors?? Fresh female writers??”

    Husain shared a list of female authors who had released books last year, and went on tag the main organizer of the event and called him out for refusing to include the voices of female authors who were new to the publishing industry but were not included in the event.

    “@zafar_masud Zafar sahib I request you to consider the above female authors. How can you not have them be part of such a festival when you have members associated with controversy? How can you ignore female roles in furthering publishing when EVERYTHING goes against us?”

  • FACT CHECK: Is actress Sidra Niazi related to former PM Imran Khan?

    FACT CHECK: Is actress Sidra Niazi related to former PM Imran Khan?

    Actor Sidra Niazi, who is basking in the glory of her drama serial Badzaat opened up about her connection with former Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi. The Qayamat star said, “Niazi is not a big tribe and members of the clan are connected with each other.” She said that they have family terms with Imran Khan but people of her generation are not familiar with him.

    “My father and uncle know him [Imran Khan],” she added.

    Recalling her memories, Sidra Niazi said that when she was a child and her grandmother was alive, Imran Khan used to visit her house.

    “My uncle was a columnist, hence, Imran Khan used to meet him,” the actress added.

    Earlier this year on Geo’s show Jashan e Cricket, host Shahzad Iqba t asked Sidra about voting for Imran Khan in the next elections as she belongs to the Niazi community herself to which she replied, “Niazi hun aqal se aari nahi,” (Just because I am Niazi does not mean I am nuts).

    She further added that she will decide who to vote on merit. While responding to a question, she said that the demand for a ban on Aurat March is wrong. In an answer to another question, she said that she feels unpleasant about Imran Khan’s comments regarding women.

    Sidra has received back-to-back critical acclaim and commercial success with hit projects like Zakham, Qayamat and Chupke Chupke.