KARACHI: The Women’s Wing of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) observed International Hijab Day with a Hijab Walk outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Monday, which was attended by a huge number of veiled women from all over the city.

The women who participated in the walk belonged to various professions. They included lawyers, journalists, social workers from various NGOs, etc. They were holding up banners and placards highlighting religious traditions, the importance of family, and the freedom to wear a veil.

The participants in the walk also read out and passed a resolution on the occasion about respecting the basic rights of women and the decisions made by women about themselves.

They stressed that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) pushes for letting women have the right to dress the way they please and feel comfortable, instead of hurting their feelings by denying them this right.

They said that any crime against women or minors should also be punished severely.

On the occasion, JI leader Usama Razi presented the participants of the walk with scarves.

He said that it was a proud moment to see all the women showing the world that the hijab or veil doesn’t just give them a traditional identity but also immense grace. “And in doing so, they are also denouncing the negativity that the western world has shown for the veil and the scarf. They are actually insecure people to be thinking that way,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2023