Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this month calling the country’s ‘Aurat March’ anti-Islamic, sparking concern among the country’s women’s rights activists.
Minister Noorul Haq Qadri’s letter also suggested that March 8 – International Women’s Day – should be declared as International Hijab Day, Pakistani news media Aaj News reported on Friday.
Women’s rights bodies have been organising the Aurat March since 2018 across Pakistan to raise voices for women’s rights and speak up against injustices in society.
The minister wrote to the PM stating that Aurat March is anti-Islamic, as the slogans used in the march are against the Islamic social system.
“The kind of banners, placards and slogans used in the march gives the impression that it is more about the societal system suggested in Islam than the women’s rights,” said Qadri in the letter.
Requesting to observe March 8 as International Hijab Day, Qadri said that this occasion can be used to urge the global community to look towards the treatment of Muslims in India and their right to practice the religion.
“On this day, the government should announce International Hijab Day to express solidarity with Muslim women around the world who are facing resistance in exercising their religious freedom and basic human rights,” he said.
The letter has garnered great criticism from feminists belonging to different walks of life, including politicians, lawyers, journalists and more.
Former ambassador of Pakistan at the UN, Maleeha Lodhi thought the letter was “unbelievable” and “unfortunate.”
Pakistani politician and former diplomat Senator Sherry Rehman also tweeted that the letter was “concerning.”
“You are conspiring to deprive women of their freedom and rights on International Women's Day,” her tweet said.
