'The march will continue': Aurat March defies restrictions at Karachi's Sea View rally

The Aurat March returned to Sea View on Sunday despite administrative restrictions and political criticism, as attendees gathered to raise awareness about marital rape, domestic violence, gender-based violence, and societal expectations placed on women in public and private life.

Organisers maintained that the right to march and speak on these issues would continue.

Held on Mother’s Day under the theme “Good Girls,” this year’s march focused on motherhood, domestic labour, generational trauma, and the expectations imposed on women from an early age.

Placards, speeches, chants, and performances at the beachside gathering highlighted discussions surrounding women’s experiences and roles within society.

The event took place days after the Karachi administration issued a 28-point no-objection certificate (NOC) outlining conditions for the gathering, including restrictions on certain slogans, clothing, and content.

Organisers criticised the conditions as limiting the message and purpose of the march. Earlier in the week, activist Sheema Kermani and several others were briefly detained outside the Karachi Press Club during a protest related to the restrictions.