By Namkeen Peshawri – Trans Rights Activist & Founder, Trans Support Group Pakistan
In the conservative landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a humanitarian crisis is silently
unfolding. The transgender community—already marginalized by society—is now facing a
horrific rise in targeted violence and murders. From Peshawar to Swat, Mansehra to Dera Ismail
Khan, trans persons are being killed, attacked, raped, and silenced, often with impunity.
The Growing Numbers – A Crisis Unfolding
In just the past few years, KP has witnessed dozens of brutal killings of transgender individuals,
with many cases going unreported or uninvestigated. In 2022 alone, over 19 trans persons were
murdered, and countless others were shot, tortured, or gang-raped. Many lived in fear, moving
house frequently, facing eviction, or abandoning their public lives altogether.
Real Stories, Real Pain
In Swabi, Nazo, a 24-year-old trans woman, was shot dead by her ex-partner for refusing to
return to a toxic relationship. No arrest was made.
In Peshawar, Gulalai, a well-known dancer and community organizer, was shot while leaving a
wedding performance. Despite CCTV footage, the case was delayed endlessly in court.
In Charsadda, Shahzadi, a young trans woman, was gang-raped and left unconscious near a
drainage canal. No hospital admitted her due to her identity.
These are not isolated incidents—they are part of a systemic pattern of gender-based violence,
deeply rooted in transphobia, patriarchy, religious extremism, and state negligence.
Root Causes of Violence
Patriarchal & Religious Extremism: The belief that trans existence is un-Islamic fuels hate crimes
and honor killings.
Failure of Law Enforcement: Police often mock, harass, or ignore trans victims. FIRs are not
registered, and court proceedings are prolonged.
Lack of Implementation of the Transgender Rights Act 2018: Although Pakistan passed a
progressive law, KP lacks mechanisms for enforcement.
Societal Silence: Media coverage is rare or sensationalized. Community support is minimal, and
stigma persists in homes, schools, and hospitals.
Impact on the Trans Community
Psychological Trauma: Many live with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with limited or no access
to mental health care.
Economic Marginalization: Violence forces many trans persons out of jobs, housing, and public
life.
Displacement & Migration: Dozens have fled KP to seek refuge in Islamabad or other cities,
becoming displaced in their own country.
Fear of Visibility: Trans activists and artists now hide their identities, fearing backlash for simply
existing.
Challenges Faced by Advocates
Threats and Harassment: Trans leaders face threats from extremists and even law enforcement.
Limited Funding: Grassroots organizations struggle with resources to support survivors or offer
legal aid.
Lack of Allies: Very few human rights groups prioritize trans issues in KP.
Digital Harassment: Trans women are often doxxed or targeted online for raising their voices.
Recommendations
Urgent Government Action: Enforce the Transgender Protection of Rights Act 2018 with
provincial implementation units in KP.
Police Reforms & Sensitization: Establish dedicated complaint desks and train officers on
gender sensitivity.
Protection Mechanisms: Safe houses, emergency shelters, and witness protection for trans
individuals under threat.
Community-Led Interventions: Fund and support grassroots trans organizations for legal aid,
trauma support, and advocacy.
Media Engagement: Promote ethical reporting and visibility of trans stories in local and national
media.
Religious Dialogue: Engage progressive Islamic scholars to counter extremist narratives
targeting trans lives.
Conclusion
The violence against trans people in KP is not random—it is systemic, preventable, and rooted
in hate. If Pakistan is to claim any moral ground in human rights, the state must act—now.
Transgender people are not expendable. We are artists, leaders, daughters, and citizens.
Our lives matter. Our stories matter. And we are not going away.
