THIS refers to the article “Other Women’s Days” (March 2) which pointed out the hurdles in celebrating the International Women’s Day in Pakistan and gave historical references, like the International Women’s Day of March 8, 1979, organised by the Committee for Artists and Intellectual Freedom in Iran (CAIFI).

In 1979, Iran was in chaos because the Shah of Iran had been overthrown and there was no new administration for a while. However, when Imam Khomeini became the ruler of Iran, he made the veil compulsory for women. This action came under the new rule.

On the contrary, Pakistan is more stable than Iran was at that time. Women across the country enjoy full freedom in almost every sphere of life. Women’s participation has increased in many fields, ranging from education to the film industry.

The general criticism of women’s march is not because of the religion, but because of the slogans used in previous years during the march. It is the need of the hour to unite the country and avoid all the things that may have the potential to create problems in society. A single march will neither give women their rights nor prohibit their freedom.

It is also important to acknowledge that all men are not against women’s freedom or their rights, because Pakistan is an Islamic state and Islam gives rights to women.

Indeed, Islam has given the most prestigious place to women. Therefore, it must be understood that women in Pakistan are not under ‘oppression’, and are free to enjoy every aspect of life. We should not divide our society on such issues. We should work hard to promote unity.

Mujeeb ur Rehman Farooqi
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2022