March 25, 2024
By Shaukat Korai
KARACHI:
A large crowd assembled at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on March 23, wielding placards and banners, to advocate for their fundamental right to life and demand accountability for the March 18 incident in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar. The incident involved a mob allegedly targeting and assaulting members of the transgender community.
Expressing their dismay, the demonstrators voiced their frustration with the perceived indifference of both the mob and law enforcement officials, who, according to members of the transgender community, disregarded their complaints.
The community claims that the mob threatened and instructed them not to leave their homes. Although they filed a complaint with the police, no arrests have been made so far. The purpose of the protest was to demand action against the perpetrators and protection for the community.
Shehzadi Rai, a prominent transgender rights activist and councillor of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), states that a mob attempted to attack transgender persons while they were on a routine walk in Gulistan-e-Johar, a bustling area of the city. When they reported it to the police, only two police constables arrived, who pressured them to compromise and refused to register a First Information Report (FIR).
“The police said that because their forces were busy providing security for the PSL, they couldn’t register an FIR,” says Rai.
Aradhiya, a member of the Khawaja Sara Gender Alliance, states that they are simply demanding their right to life and the implementation of long-pending policies regarding their community.
During the protest, community leader Bandiya Rana expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of protection provided by the police. If no action is taken against those who attacked the Khawaja Sara community, “we will stage a sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly,” she warns.
Protest participants from the Khawaja Sara community expressed that they are not treated as human beings and face mistreatment.
Noor-e-Hira, a student at Karachi University, shared her experience of being intimidated while going to university. “No one takes our safety seriously,” she says, adding that people are envious of their progress as educated citizens who deserve basic rights according to the country’s constitution. “Our rights are being denied,” she adds.
Nuzhat Shirin, Chairman of the Sindh Commission for Women Protection, says that the Khawaja Sara community is the most affected community and the state should ensure their protection, education, employment, and housing. She recommends initiating an awareness campaign to create a place for them in society