New Plan for Women's Rights Movement in Pakistan: Protests from Lahore to Karachi from February 12 to May 11

New Plan for Women's Rights Movement in Pakistan: Protests from Lahore to Karachi from February 12 to May 11

Since its inception in 2018, the Aurat March in Pakistan has been held annually on International Women's Day, March 8. However, this year, a major change is taking place. The organizers of the Aurat March have announced that, instead of March 8, they will hold protests on multiple dates, marking a significant shift from the tradition followed every year.

As in 2023, the Aurat March in Karachi will take place on a Saturday this year, allowing working women to participate. However, the Aurat March in Islamabad will continue to be held on March 8, as usual, for International Women's Day.

The Aurat March authorities in Karachi have announced that their protest march will be held on May 11 in 2025. Additionally, a historic moment for this year's Aurat March is the first-ever protest in Mirpurkhas, marking the expansion of the movement.

In a statement, the Aurat March Karachi organizers said, "2025 will be the year of the Aurat March Caravan, where protests will be held in Lahore, Multan, Karachi, and Mirpurkhas on new dates but with the same intensity."

The dates for this year's Aurat March are as follows:

• February 12: Aurat March Lahore (National Women's Day)
• February 23: Aurat March Multan
• March 8: Aurat March Islamabad (International Women's Day)
• May 11: Aurat March Karachi and Mirpurkhas (Mother’s Day)

The organizers explained that the decision to hold protests on different dates was made based on the unique circumstances and realities of each city. They emphasized that March 8 holds special significance in Islamabad, as it has played a crucial role in feminist activism despite facing political and religious challenges.

The statement concluded, "Regardless of what day the Aurat March takes place, come support us, join our movement!"