Women’s rights activists are calling out the letter Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri wrote to the Prime Minister on February 9 about Aurat March. In the letter, he said that March 8 – International Women’s Day – should be declared as International Hijab Day.

Women’s rights bodies have been organizing the Aurat March for the last five years across Pakistan to raise voices for women’s rights and speak up against injustices in society.

Aurat March has a history of becoming controversial as it’s accused of spreading immorality and obscenity. Every year disinformation campaigns are arranged about the march on social media to minimize its impact.

The Minister wrote to the PM stating that Aurat March is anti-Islamic as the slogans used in the march are against the Islamic social system.

“It is said that the Aurat March is for the protection of women’s rights. The kind of banners, placards and slogans are used in the march give the impression that it is more about the societal system suggested in Islam than the women’s rights,” said Qadri in the letter.

He added that no should be allowed to make fun of Islamic values. “We all accept that Islam offers a complete code of life and there is no alternative to it. No organisation should be allowed to question or ridicule Islamic values, norms of society, hijab or the modesty of Muslim women at the Aurat March or any other event held in connection with International Women’s Day as these acts hurt the sentiments of Muslims in the country,” added Qadri.

Requesting to observe March 8 as International Hijab Day, Qadri said that this occasion can be used to urge the global community to look towards the treatment of Muslims in India and their right to practice the religion. “On this day, the government should announce International Hijab Day to express solidarity with Muslim women around the world who are facing resistance in exercising their religious freedom and basic human rights,” he said.

However, the letter has garnered great criticism from feminists belonging to different walks of life, including politicians, lawyers, journalists and more.

Former ambassador of Pakistan at the UN, Maleeha Lodhi thought the letter was “unbelievable” and “unfortunate.”

Senator Sherry Rehman also tweeted that the letter was “concerning.” “International Women's Day is named after women of all classes. International Women's Day aims to raise awareness in society against gender stereotypes and prejudices against women. You are conspiring to deprive women of their freedom and rights on International Women's Day,” she said.

“Aurat March is just a few days away and the misinformation and disinformation is being propagated by all including the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs,” said one Twitter user.

Putting all the negativity aside, some social media users expressed excitement over the upcoming march.