UCA News
Contribute

Transgender rally highlights rising attacks in Pakistan

Recent murders mean many members of the community are afraid to leave their homes
Transgender rally highlights rising attacks in Pakistan

Transgender people hold a rally in Lahore. (Photo supplied)

Published: September 16, 2020 09:59 AM GMT
Updated: September 16, 2020 09:59 AM GMT

Scores of transgender people took to the streets in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi to protest the rising incidents of violence against the long-suffering community.

The Sept. 15 protest was led by Bindiya Rana, president of Gender Interactive Alliance Pakistan (GIAP), which works for the rights of the transgender community.

The protest came in the wake of the killing of two transgender persons in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in separate attacks last week.

On Sept. 7, unidentified gunmen shot and killed transgender activist Gun Panra and wounded her friend in Peshawar.

On Sept. 11, Saad, a transgender man, was killed by his brother in Swabi town as he was returning home after performing at a dance party in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The attacks prompted transgender activists to hold protests in Karachi, Lahore, Mardan and other cities.

Arzoo, a transgender woman, strongly condemned the attacks against her community.

“The recent spate of violence is very disturbing and concerning for the entire trans community. Many are even afraid to venture out due to fear of attacks and violence,” Arzoo told UCA News.

“We are treated and viewed by society as if we are aliens. The issue of human rights and respect comes later. I request our human rights organizations and activists to stand with us and raise their voice for our rights as equal citizens of Pakistan.”

The GIAP protesters put forward a list of demands: stop killing transgender people; stop raping children, women and trans members; stop kidnapping transgender people; immediate arrest and punishment of culprits; formation of a proper law and order mechanism for transgender protection and safety; reserved seats for the transgender community in government and non-government bodies; proper education system development inclusive of the transgender community; and proper access to health services for transgender people.

Safina Javed, a Christian activist and chairperson of the Peace and Welfare Organization, said transgender persons are the most vulnerable people in society and face high levels of discrimination and violence.

“The government should make clear, through public messaging campaigns, that everyone has the right to access healthcare and include trans people in welfare programming to sustain their health and livelihoods,” Javed told UCA News.

According to Pakistan’s Transgender Association, at least 73 members of the transgender community have been killed since 2015.

Officially recognized in Pakistan as "third gender," members of the community face abuse, attacks and societal discrimination and are forced to survive on begging and prostitution.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia