Pakistan: Imran Khan govt plans to promote hijab to counter Aurat March

In order to roll back 'Aurat March' organised every year by Pakistani women on International Women's Day, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to declare March 8 as International Hijab Day, reports ANI news agency.

The minister claimed the march conducted in the country for the past several years is "against the principles of Islam."

In his letter to Imran Khan, Qadri has suggested a regressive measure to alter "the status of an UN-designated international day that aims to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women", reported think tank named Policy Research Group (POREG).

However, Qadri's statement drew flak from women lawmakers, diplomats and civil society leaders, following which, he issued a clarification saying "Obscenity and hooliganism in the name of rights should not be allowed under any circumstances," further alleging that his letter "reflected the collective thinking of the Pakistani society," reported POREG.

What is Aurat March?

Aurat March is an annual socio-political demonstration in Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar to observe International Women's Day.

The first Aurat Marches were begun by women's collectives in parallel with the Pakistani #MeToo movement on International Women's Day.

The first march was held on 8 March 2018 in Karachi.