Authorities in the Pakistani city of Lahore have refused to allow a rally on International Women's Day, which has seen strong reactions in the country.
According to the French news agency AFP, since 2018, women's marches have been held in major cities across Pakistan to raise awareness about women's rights.
In a notification, the authorities cited security concerns, apart from the 'controversial placards and banners' commonly displayed by the participants, as the reason for not allowing the march.
On the other hand, protests in the name of Haya (shame) in response to the Women's March are usually carried out by religious groups to protect Islamic values.
"This is a violation of our rights," Haba Akbar, an organizer of the Aurat March Lahore, told AFP. This decision calls into question the state's ability to manage our assembly rights.
In spite of not allowing Aurat March by authorities in Lahore, Haya March has been allowed this year.
Attempts to ban the Aurat March in Pakistan often require march organizers to go through a legal process.
The banners and placards hoisted by the Awrat March participants have raised issues such as divorce, sexual harassment, and women's medical problems, creating controversy in the country.