KARACHI, March 7: A number of non-governmental organizations are holding programmes to mark the International Women's Day, which is being celebrated in the city like other parts of the world, on March 8.

In this connection, a function is being organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for People's Rights at the YMCA Ground at 3pm. Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Rahila Tiwana, MNA Sherry Rehman, MPA Heer Soho, Councillor Shamim Mumtaz, Anis Haroon, Zahida Hina, Nuzhat Shirin, Malika Khan and others are invited to address. Plays highlighting the women's issues will also be staged on the occasion.

The JAC comprises Amnesty International, PILER, Aurat Foundation, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Shirkat Gah, Women Action Forum, Takhleeq Foundation, YWCA, YMCA, NGO Resource Centre, URS, Actionaid, Irtiqa Institute, Wada, and Interflow.

On the day, the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, women's wing, will hold a protest march against the murder of two girls, Hajira and Sassi. The march will begin from Regal Chowk at 4pm and end at the P ress Club.

A seminar on 'Impact of Hudood Ordinance' is being organized by the Karachi Women's Peace Committee at the Arts Council to mark the Women's Day. Princess of Jordan Sarvath El Hassan is invited as the chief guest of the seminar while the former chief justice Sajjad Ali Shah will preside over the function.