ISLAMABAD: The organisers of the Aurat March in the capital went ahead with their planned rally on Saturday to mark International Women`s Day despite receiving no formal approval from the authorities to organise the gathering.

Initially, the organisers had planned to march from the press club to D-Chowk, but the Islamabad administration did not grant a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event. The demonstration was held in an open area adjacent to the National Press Club amid strict security arrangements.

The rally site was heavily secured, with tents and barbed wire placed around parts of the area. A large contingent of police, including some of them in riot gear, was deployed under the pretext of ensuring security. Access to the press club was severely restricted, with all roads blocked except for a single route, making it difficult for participants to reach the gathering.

They also alleged that their sound systems were confiscated and that several of their colleagues were taken away by security personnel in plain clothes. Despite the restrictions, participants at the demonstration carried placards with messages such as, `Working women of the world unite; let`s break the chains of imperialism and patriarchy; women not property men not ATMs`.

Other placards supported inclusivity for differently-abled individuals and minorities, advocating for their equal rights and representation.Nayab Ali, representing the transgender community, said she was disappointed with `such heavy security measures`.

`I am disappointed with the government for breaching their right to peaceful assembly... Aurat March is an inclusive space, voicing the concerns of women and deprived and marginalised communities.

We urge the government to protect the rights of all citizens, only then can Pakistan have an inclusive society,` said Ms Ali.

Every year in March, women across Pakistan take to the streets, carrying posters and raising their voices against patriarchy and to demand justice and equality.

Demonstrators also staged symbolic funeral processions for democracy, justice, environment, and rights for women and minorities.

Nida, a student present at the march, the funeral processions symbolised the death of the justice system, fundamental human rights, and freedom. Abeer Noor Bano, a student, joined the protest to fight for her rights. `...being denied my basic rights brings me out here and the hope and ability to fight for them,` she said.

March organiser Farzana Bari appeared undeterred by the police presence, saying these sights were normal for the marchers.

Dr Bari said the government had advised them to postpone the event, citing Ramazan. She said they assured the government that they would canvass without music or celebratory activities to respect the Islamic month. However, forgoing their right to observe International Women`s Day was not an option, as it remained a crucial annual occasion dedicated to advocating for women`s rights,said the organiser.

According to a senior police official, not willing to be named, the march was now `synonymous` with controversy. `The organisers have made enemies, especially some religious groups who associate their cause with promoting a western agenda.

The rally area had been cordoned off for the safety of demonstrators. The organisers have agreed to rally inside the sealed area. The government did not approve of their gathering today,` the official claimed. However, the march ended peacefully, without any unpleasant incident.

During the march, organisers presented the same demands as announced a day earlier at the press conference. Aurat March Islamabad demanded an immediate end to oppressive laws, such as the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act (PAPO) 2024 and amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which severely restrict fundamental rights like freedom of speech, assembly, and association.

The collective also called for an end to the enforced disappearances of Baloch, Pashtun, and Sindhi human rights activists and journalists. Furthermore, they voiced strong opposition to environmentally destructive projects, such as the Green Pakistan Initiative, demanding their immediate halt.

The Green Pakistan Initiative is a joint agricultural project between the federal government and the Pakistan Army, says its website.

PFUJ pays tributes to women journalists In a separate statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) paidtribute to the remarkable contributions of women journalists in uplifting professional and ethical standards in the media, as well as their unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom of the press.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said, `We remember the pioneering women journalists who paved the way for future generations`.

The PFUJ said it also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women activists who played a vital role in the journalists` movement and in PFUJ.

It also lauded the courage and steadfastness of wives of journalists who selflessly supported their families during times of struggle.

Gilgit Activists have said that women rights have not been protected in Gilgit-Baltistan as local women remain deprived from their constitutional and legal rights.

In their messages on International Women`s Day, they expressed their concerns over the absence of laws that protect women rights including inheritance, harassment, early marriages restraint and protection at workplace.

Yasmin Karim, a woman activist, said GB women face gender issues and that regional government and GB Assembly had failed to take necessary steps to ensure women rights.

She said currently there is no family court in Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to National Commission on the Status of Women Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan had the highest rate of early marriages in the country.