October 23, 2025
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
LAHORE
A trans person was allegedly gang-raped in Dera Ismail Khan, while another was brutally assaulted in Swat, in two separate incidents that have once again raised concerns over the safety of transgender individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police in Dera Ismail Khan, four suspects allegedly tortured and sexually assaulted a transgender person within the jurisdiction of Cantt Police Station. A case has been registered under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and an investigation has been initiated.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed by a complainant identified as Irfan, a resident of Faisalabad, who stated that he had been living in a rented room above a furniture market near Nawab Pump. He alleged that Farooq Niazi, a resident of Shorkot, along with three unidentified accomplices, entered his room, physically assaulted him, and demanded sexual acts.
When she refused, the suspects allegedly tied his hands and took turns sexually assaulting him. The complainant further stated that the suspects damaged his belongings and threatened to kill him if he reported the incident. Following the complaint, police launched a probe to identify and apprehend all those involved.
Separate incident
In a separate incident in Swat, a 20-year-old transgender person was assaulted and severely injured after two men allegedly attempted to rape him. Police said that both suspects were arrested following the attack, which occurred on Sunday, October 19.
The victim, identified as Umair alias Shayan, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured jaw and spinal damage. According to Swat police, the accused were identified as Zeeshan, a resident of Mardan, and Salahuddin, a resident of Fizagat, Mingora. The suspects allegedly subjected the victim to brutal violence before fleeing the scene. Local residents later found the injured victim and shifted him to Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan Trauma Centre in Saidu Sharif for medical treatment.
Following directives from District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Umer Khan, Station House Officer (SHO) Mingora Habib Syed Khan led raids that resulted in the arrest of both suspects. Officials said further investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
Members of civil society and welfare organizations visited the hospital to express solidarity with the injured transgender person and offered financial and moral support. Rights activists have called for strict legal action against the perpetrators and improved protection measures for the transgender community.
Transgender rights activists have repeatedly stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains one of the most dangerous provinces in Pakistan for transgender individuals. Frequent reports of harassment, assault, and murder have created an environment of fear among the community.
Farzana Riaz, a transgender rights activist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, earlier told Voicepk that since 2015, at least 195 transgender persons have been killed in the province. She added that 11 murders have already been reported in 2025, most of them in Peshawar.
Riaz emphasised that despite ongoing advocacy for greater security and enforcement of protective laws, the transgender community continues to face severe threats to life and dignity.