Post by : Rameen Ariff

Leaders of Pakistan’s transgender community have accused the police of forcibly evicting their members from homes across several districts while failing to act against crimes targeting them, including extortion, kidnapping, and murder. Activists say the authorities have become part of a system that “persecutes” rather than protects transgender individuals.

During a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday, Farzana Riaz, president of the Transgender Community Organisation, spoke alongside vice president Mahi Gul. They condemned the ongoing persecution of their community and criticized the police for ignoring repeated pleas for justice. According to them, perpetrators of crimes against transgender persons often remain unpunished and sometimes receive protection from local authorities. Meanwhile, law enforcement is focusing on evicting transgender residents from their homes.

“Transgender individuals face constant threats, extortion, and violence. Those who resist are sometimes murdered. We demand our basic right to live safely,” said Farzana Riaz. She highlighted that even ongoing court cases have not ensured protection, as police officials and powerful local figures reportedly conspire to displace transgender persons from neighborhoods in Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, and other areas. “It feels as though we are treated as enemies in our own country,” she added.

The organisation noted that when transgender individuals approach government offices for help, their requests are frequently ignored. Courts have demanded explanations from the provincial inspector general of police and city police chiefs, but responses have yet to be provided. The court has extended the deadline for answers to November 4.

Farzana Riaz also revealed that police officials have allegedly met with local elders and religious leaders to pressure them into evicting transgender residents. She shared specific cases, including that of a transgender woman named Naseema in Swabi, who was given a 15-day ultimatum to leave her home and was reportedly physically abused during the eviction process. Similar incidents have been reported in Charsadda, Mingora, Haripur, Buner, and Nowshera.

Activists further said that transgender individuals are often coerced to attend police events or private gatherings. Those who refuse reportedly face harassment and forced displacement. Farzana Riaz criticized the government for failing to provide promised healthcare and employment support. Six years ago, the PTI government had announced dedicated hospital wards for transgender individuals, but most are still treated in general male wards. She also cited a lack of data as a reason for the government’s failure to create employment opportunities for her community.

The situation highlights ongoing discrimination and systemic neglect faced by transgender citizens in Pakistan, prompting calls for urgent government intervention and accountability from law enforcement agencies.

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