The wait is over, Aurat March drops Golden Chappal winner after weeks of buildup

Aurat March has officially concluded its much-discussed countdown campaign, revealing the winner of its “Golden Chappal Award” for “Misogynist of the Year” — a reveal that had been building for days across social media.

After first teasing nominees and fueling speculation online, the group finally announced Mufti Tariq Masood as the recipient of the 2025–26 title in a sharply worded and highly provocative post.

The announcement opened with a dramatic line — “Intezaar ki ghariyaan khatam” — signalling the end of the buildup that had already generated widespread debate and anticipation online.

The post described Mufti Tariq Masood as the “Ultimate Loser,” framing the decision as one made after strong public response and heightened criticism of his past remarks.

Aurat March pointed out his exact comments on child marriage, including references to past statements in which he allegedly spoke about arranging early marriages for family members and encouraging similar practices.

The post also resurfaced broader criticism of his views on women, marriage, and gender roles, arguing that his public statements reinforce patriarchal attitudes and harmful social norms.

Lines from the announcement quickly went viral, including a sharp remark comparing him to a “comedian turned scholar,” which triggered intense debate across social platforms.

The organisation also accused him of promoting restrictive views on women’s education, employment, and autonomy, as well as normalising polygamy in a way critics say ignores women’s lived realities.

The reveal capped off a multi-day online campaign where Aurat March had been teasing categories, nominees, and public voting-style engagement — turning the final announcement into a highly anticipated social media moment.

Supporters called the reveal bold, symbolic and necessary, while critics condemned it as disrespectful and inflammatory, accusing the movement of targeting religious figures in a provocative manner.

What began as a teaser campaign has now fully evolved into another viral flashpoint in Pakistan’s ongoing cultural and ideological debate — with the “Golden Chappal” once again dominating timelines.