The Aurat March in Islamabad came to an end on Saturday afternoon when police prevented participants from advancing to D-Chowk.

The day before the event, organizers expressed their determination to proceed with the rally from the National Press Club (NPC) to D-Chowk, despite lacking formal approval from local authorities. Rights activist Dr Farzana Bari stated, “We will hold our gathering outside the NPC as in previous years and will attempt to march towards D-Chowk to commemorate International Women’s Day.”

On the day of the march, participants gathered outside the NPC, equipped with placards, banners, and megaphones, ready to make their voices heard.

The traffic police announced that, due to the ongoing law and order situation, both entry and exit routes at Express Chowk and Serena Hotel will be blocked. Commuters are advised to utilize Nadra, Marriott, and Margalla Road for their journeys, while those heading to the Red Zone from Club Road should opt for Seventh Avenue.

Rights activist Dr. Farzana Bari, a key organiser of the event, revealed that a formal application was submitted to the Islamabad administration months ago for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Aurat March; however, no response has been received to date. Instead of granting approval, the administration has requested the event’s postponement in light of the holy month of Ramazan, as reported by Dawn.com.

To respect the sanctity of Ramazan, the organisers have decided to mark the occasion with simplicity, avoiding music and other fanfare. However, Dr. Bari emphasized that it would not be possible for them to surrender their right to observe International Women’s Day, which occurs only once a year.

Participants are called to gather in front of the press club at 1pm, with an attempt to march towards D-Chowk around 4pm.

In an open letter posted on Instagram, the organisers informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of their ongoing struggles to obtain an NOC for the past six years, highlighting that they have been denied their right to protest and safety.

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The letter noted that previous organisers faced violence from religious fundamentalist groups and the police, sending a negative message to the international community regarding the status of women’s rights in Pakistan.