The Sindh High Court has recently taken action on a petition filed by a group of female attorneys against the Women’s March. The court has sent notices to several parties, including the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), federal and provincial governments, and the Arts Council.
The Chief Justice expressed that the petition should have been presented prior to March 8. The petitioners’ attorneys revealed that they had sought an urgent hearing earlier, but their request was not accommodated.
The court sought clarification on the alleged inappropriate activities occurring during the Women’s March that the petitioners were protesting against. The attorneys representing the petitioners argued that the march included actions that contradicted societal norms and Islamic Sharia laws.
They claimed that the Women’s March was promoting women’s liberation through dance and perceived immodesty, and that such activities were being endorsed by the Arts Council and other organizations.
This case has sparked a debate on the balance between freedom of expression and cultural and religious norms. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on this matter and what implications it will have for future events like the Women’s March.