Education for all

Today’s ‘Aurat March’ has been allowed to take place by both the Lahore and Islamabad High Courts, which have rejected petitions demanding that it be banned. One ridiculous assertion, that has thankfully gotten the least amount of traction, is that somehow the march is being sponsored by some sinister anti-state elements. However, unfortunately, the conversation, rather than focusing on the real purpose of the one-day demonstration, is around the perceived ‘vulgarity’ of the slogans that will be chanted and placards that will be displayed, especially ‘mera jism, meri marzi’ (my body my choice). One of the vilest examples of this intolerance was playwright and serial misogynist Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s uncalled for abusive outburst at activist Marvi Sirmed on live television. Although Ms Sirmed did speak out of turn, saying those dreaded four words, which was easily avoidable as Mr Qamar had not interrupted her earlier when she was speaking, his response was outrageously di...