"We are part of this society, not outsiders."
The transgender community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing an alarming wave of violence, eviction, and discrimination without justice or relief.
At a recent press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, activists condemned police crackdowns, extortion, and targeted attacks.
Farzana Riaz, President of the Transgender Community Organisation, and Vice President Mahigul accused the police of conducting illegal evictions.
They alleged that while officers remain active in displacing transgender residents, they ignore criminal elements.
The most recent attack involved activist Barfi, who was brutally shot in the leg at Ghanta Ghar, Peshawar, and is now fighting for her life.
Her assault follows a grim pattern of violence, including the murder of Maria, the killing of Alisha in Mardan, and a vicious attack on activist Chahat.
Farzana described the constant fear and displacement faced by her community, saying:
“We are being expelled from every district.”
She added that transgender persons are routinely accused of “immoral activities,” an excuse used by authorities to justify forced removals.
According to her, the community only seeks dignity, livelihood, and recognition; basic rights that are still denied to them in most places.
“If given respect and opportunities, we too can live with dignity and contribute positively to society.”
The issue of extortion remains particularly severe. Reports revealed that over seventeen transgender individuals paid more than ten million rupees collectively.
Those refusing to pay face severe beatings, harassment, and eviction from their homes, forcing many to flee in search of safety.
Despite the escalating violence, there have been no convictions. Not one accused has been punished for the nearly two hundred murders recorded.
Activists also criticised repeated political failures, citing unfulfilled promises from previous administrations.
They mentioned that transgender patients are still placed in male wards, where they endure daily humiliation and a lack of privacy.
Since Imran Khan’s imprisonment, the situation has reportedly worsened.
The police have increased raids and harassment against transgender individuals in several districts.
In Swabi, Naseema and others received fifteen-day eviction notices and were allegedly assaulted before being forcibly removed from their homes.
Similar crackdowns have been reported in Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Haripur, Batkhela, and Buner.
The Peshawar High Court has asked the K-P Police Chief and the CCPO to submit reports, yet none have been filed.
The transgender community expressed frustration over the silence of authorities.
They stated that clerics are even using mosque loudspeakers to incite hatred.
Arzoo Khan, Executive Director of the Manzil Foundation, condemned the government’s inaction.
She called it a complete abandonment of human rights.
Arzoo claimed that violence against transgender persons in K-P has reached an unprecedented level.
Transgender activists now look to newly elected Chief Minister Shoaib Afridi, urging him to finally take real measures for their safety and inclusion.
Farzana appealed for compassion, concluding: “We are part of this society, not outsiders.”
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