LAHORE, Pakistan — A major women's rights movement in Pakistan is facing a legal challenge over a march scheduled for next month over allegations that the organizers' activities are "anti-state". The event, known as the Aurat March, using the Urdu word for 'women', has been held in multiple cities in Pakistan for the last two years to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8. Organisers say they have faced a backlash from conservative elements in the country, including threats of murder and rape. A petition attempting to bar the march from its announced venue and ban all associated promotion on social media will be heard by a court in Lahore on Thursday, alleging that "heavy funds" have been donated to the organizers by "anti-state forces".

Source: International New York Times February 26, 2020 14:03 UTC