Aurat March Lahore has called for end of internet censorship and repeal of defamation law, family court in Gilgit-Baltistan region, and enforcement of women law in Punjab.

The Aurat March rally was held today in Lahore, where participants also advocated for the rights of religious and gender minorities, and other marginalized communities. Attendees raised various social issues and urged the government to take immediate action.

A day before the march, the organizers announced that the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore had granted permission for the Aurat March.

The march started at the Lahore Press Club and continue towards Faletti Hotel along Edgerton Road at 2pm.

Elaborate Security arrangements were made to ensure safety of the protestors.

Organizers expressed gratitude to the Lahore High Court for upholding their right to assemble peacefully.

Demands made at Aurat March rally 2025

Demands from the rally included an end to the marginalization of religious, linguistic, and gender minorities, as well as political dissenters. Participants called for the effective enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Women Act.

The rally also emphasized the need to strengthen committees aimed at combating sexual harassment in workplaces, to abolish forced conversions, and to revise laws concerning religious minorities through public consultation.

Participants highlighted the necessity for establishing family courts in Gilgit-Baltistan and called for the elimination of discrimination and violence against transgender individuals and gender minorities, affirming the right of individuals to self-determine their gender.

Additionally, the rally demanded the assurance of girls’ right to education in disputed areas, an end to violence against advocates of enforced disappearance cases, and the repeal of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 and Section 144.

The Aurat March participants further called for the removal of firewall technology that censors free expression, the restoration of student unions, the development of effective policies to address smog, and the halting of projects that misuse agricultural land for personal gain.

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Organizers issued important guidelines for attendees to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Participants were encouraged to follow these points:

1. Bring your own water bottles; designated containers will be available at the gathering point.

2. Use small, easy-to-carry bags.

3. Maintain a safe distance from one another.

4. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

5. Treat fellow participants with respect.

6. Avoid bringing valuable items.

7. Show solidarity with the courageous women around you.

8. Hold authorities accountable to demonstrate strength.

9. Participate actively in the slogans.

10. Engage with artistic displays throughout the march.

11. Capture photos and videos, and share them using the hashtag #patriarchykapandemic during and after the event.

12. Refrain from interacting with media personnel who do not possess valid media cards from the Press Club or their employer, as Aurat March will not be issuing cards this year.