In a statement issued on Thursday via social media, the collective said the decision was made with “a heavy heart” but in the interest of protecting vulnerable groups.
“War, or even the potential for it, pushes back all struggles for rights, especially the feminist struggle,” the organisers said. They described the decision as painful but necessary, adding that the measure is for “the safety of the marginalised people we work with all year round and who put their trust into us.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. As the countries exchange fire across the LOC following the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor, the Pakistani government has issued multiple security advisories, with public events in major cities facing cancellations or heightened scrutiny as a precaution.
Launched in 2018, Aurat March has become an annual fixture in Pakistan’s rights landscape, offering a platform for gender justice and political expression by women and gender minorities. This year’s rally was to carry added symbolic weight by aligning with Mother’s Day, drawing attention to issues of care, labour, and recognition.
Despite the postponement, the organisers affirmed their continued commitment to feminist advocacy. “We want to tell you that the feminist work, and the fight for our rights, will not take a back seat as we wait for peace to prevail,” the statement said.They also expressed gratitude to volunteers, donors, artists, and supporters who had contributed to the planning of the event. The statement ended on a note of hope: “May we see better days ahead.”