LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday ordered the district government to hear the stance of the Aurat March organisers and pass a decision within a day on the permission for the annual rally scheduled for Feb 12.

Justice Anwaar Hussain heard a petition filed by women activists Leena Ghani, Neelum Hussain, Fatima Jan and Shireen Umar challenging the authorities’ inaction on their request for permission to hold the march.

During the hearing, the additional deputy commissioner and other officials appeared before the court along with Assistant Advocate General (AAG) Usman Khan.

The government’s lawyer informed the court that three major international events were taking place in Lahore around the same dates including a triangular cricket series, the ICC champion’s trophy, and the commonwealth parliamentary association conference.

Justice Hussain observed that the occurrence of important events does not mean other activities should be halted. He said multiple events take place simultaneously worldwide.

The judge remarked that the governments are responsible for managing everything together.

The law officer argued that the Aurat March request was being reviewed in light of the upcoming international events, after which a decision would be made.

The judge noted that authorities often delay such requests, but this time, the petitioners had approached the court well before time.

The judge directed the additional deputy commissioner to decide the application of the petitioners within a day and submit a report by Feb 6.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2025