ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the organisers of Aurat March to finalise modalities with the district administration for holding demonstration on women’s day.

IHC Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri disposed of the petition seeking no objection certificate (NOC) for holding Aurat March on March 8 (today) in front of the National Press Club.

Justice Jahangiri asked the district administration to reason for denying the NOC to the organisers.

Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqat informed the court that the interior minister has allowed the women’s show of power.

He, however, said the NPC would have already been occupied by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as it was holding the protest outside there since the venue of Faizabad was not feasible owing to movement of Australian Cricket Team, .

Justice Jahangir suggested the organisers of Aurat March to change their venue and instead of NPC, they should hold the Aurat March at the Fatima Jinnah Park commonly known as F-9 Park.

The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the Aurat March has been planned from the NPC to D-Chowk.

The organisers were of the view that the district administration might be directed to provide necessary security as issuance of NOC was not their priority.

The court disposed of the petition while directing the district administration to issue the NOC and make necessary arrangements after completing the codal formalities in consultation with the organisers of the Aurat March.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2022