Lahore DC refuses permission for Aurat March, fears clash with JI.

LAHORE -- The deputy commissioner (DC) of Lahore, Rafia Haider, has refused permission to organise Aurat March in the provincial capital citing security concerns, alleged public 'reservation' and fear of a clash with the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) who have 'announced a program against the Aurat March'.

The organising committee of Aurat March had applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the DC to hold a rally at Nasir Bagh, followed by a march around the park.

However, DC Haider rejected the application, citing security concerns and threat alerts.

'Your application has been examined and it transpires that in wake of the current security scenario, threat alerts and law and order situation, and in light of activities like controversial cards and banners for awareness of women's rights and strong reservations of [the] general public and religious...