Women from all over Pakistan gathered to participate in the Aurat March on International Women’s Day, raising their voices against injustices. The first march was held in Karachi in 2018 and has since expanded to include cities like Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Larkana, and Hyderabad. This year marked the seventh march since its inception.
Women from diverse backgrounds marched in major cities, carrying posters advocating for an end to gender-based violence and for safe streets. Some also showed support for Palestine and called for an end to enforced disappearances.
Despite the underwhelming turnout in Karachi this year, with fewer people and interviews taking place, sessions were held ahead of the march to discuss social issues. Transgender activist Shehzadi Rai spoke out against superficial support for the transgender community, emphasizing the need for genuine respect.
In Lahore, women gathered at the press club to showcase public art and recite poetry by Habib Jalib and other revolutionaries. However, in Islamabad, organizers claimed that police hindered their march towards D-Chowk.