Swift and decisive action demanded for protecting transgender community

The Gender Interactive Alliance, Sindh Moorat March, and Aurat March held a joint press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Friday to address the pressing issue of violence against the transgender community in recent incidents in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Nazimabad.

The Khwajasira community, an integral part of our society, is facing increasing insecurity and violence, as evidenced by the recent unfortunate incidents, said the joint press statement. The community urgently appealed to the government to take swift and decisive action to ensure their safety and protection.

Speakers, including Bindiya Rana, Shezadi Rai, Zehrish Khanzadi, and Aradhiya Khan, highlighted the need for concrete measures to address the challenges faced by the transgender community. They emphasized the importance of implementing policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all citizens, regardless of gender identity.

Bindiya Rana said that not only the public but also the Khawajasira community has been affected. Social media campaigns have been ongoing for several years, targeting individuals like Maria B and sometimes religious figures, she said and added that false information and images have been circulated.

The government’s duty was to investigate, “but we can’t go out due to this”. Unfortunately, she said that the transgender community is struggling to survive in the country. During Ramazan, she said, many people gather at Jauhar Morr and target the Khawajasira community with violence.

Under the negligent government, she said, “we’ve seen the transgender community being abandoned. We hope for better from this government.” Bindiya Rana asked when action would be taken against those religious figures who advocated violence against transgender individuals.

The organisations behind this press conference, said Rana, stand in solidarity with the Khwajasira community and call upon all stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society, and the general public, to work together to combat discrimination and violence against marginalized groups.