The Superior Court of Lahore (LHC) has granted permission for the March of Arat, scheduled for February 12, after the requests presented by activist Leena Ghani and others.
The hearing, chaired by Judge Anwar Hussain, saw the legal representative of the Government to present a letter that confirms the security agreements for the event. The court instructed the authorities to guarantee comprehensive security measures for the participants.
The organizers had submitted a request for conigation against the deputy commissioner of Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, and other officials for not processing their application in a timely manner, said Express News.
The petitioners, including prominent activists, Khawar Mumtaz, Leena Ghani, Nelam Hussain, Fatima Jan and Shereen Umair, had approached the Superior Court of Lahore after their application for march, presented in January, had not acted.
They accused the officials of delaying the event by using “dilatory tactics” and not implementing a 2023 court order that requires the facilitation of the march.
During a judicial hearing, Judge Anwaar Hussain was informed that permission had been granted for the march and that the authorities would guarantee adequate security for the event.
The Education Department will provide additional support for the demonstration, which will be carried out on its traditional route from the Lahore Press Club to Edgerton Road.
The petitioners had previously argued that the delay violated their fundamental right to the freedom of assembly and expression, guaranteed by articles 16 and 19 of the Pakistan Constitution.
The Court had ordered in 2023 that the relevant authorities facilitate the organizers of March.
In a letter to the Court, the additional deputy commissioner confirmed that “infallible security” arrangements for the march had been made, which will now take place on February 12, a date chosen to commemorate the National Women’s Day in Pakistan.
The march will feature activists from several communities and create awareness of the issues related to gender, including women’s rights and discrimination. It is expected to attract great crowds of Lahore and Pakistan.
Despite the legal victory, some organizers and participants expressed concern about the challenges they faced to obtain the approval of the event. However, they now focus on ensuring that the march proceeds peacefully, with full participation
