Security demanded for people who are transgender

Activists blame police for negligence, phobic behaviour

PESHAWAR: Social activists in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have demanded the government provide security to people who are transgender as they are receiving death threats from unknown quarters. They also blamed the police for their negligence and transphobic behaviour.

While talking to The Express Tribune on Monday, TransAction head Farzana said on January 5, Adnany, was shot at by unidentified people when she was travelling home after performing at a musical programme. She said Adnany was lucky to have survived the attack.



Blaming the Chamkani police for negligence, she added Adnany continued to receive death threats from the culprits even after the incident and the police failed to arrest those involved in the attack. The TransAction head told The Express Tribune the organisation also submitted a letter to IGP Nasir Khan Durrani in which they demanded the police arrest the culprits and provide security to the transgender community but they did not receive a positive response from him.“We strongly feel the relevant police station is not taking an interest in investigating and resolving the case and bringing the criminals to justice,” stated Farzana.

She pointed out the culprits were continuously calling and threatening Adnany, Paro Dolly, Ayesha and other people who are transgender. Farzana said the numbers were local which were provided to the relevant investigation officer but no action has been taken.

Farzana feared if the police did not take immediate action, their lives will remain at risk and its consequences might prove fatal. She requested the government and police officials to take the matter seriously and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.

When contacted, Blue Veins representative Qamar Naseem told The Express Tribune Frontline Defenders, Ireland, an international foundation for the protection of human rights defenders, expressed concern over the threats posed to people who are transgender. Naseem added, “The government took notice of the firing incident and asked the K-P government and regional human rights directorate to initiate an enquiry.”

He commented the special rapporteur on human rights to secretary general of United Nations has also taken note of the case and will raise the issue with the government through the UN.

Naseem complained the ignorant behaviour of the police meant FIRs filed by those who are transgender are not registered.

Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network Coordinator Taimur Kamal said after the threats, transgenders fear for their lives and have limited their movement. He demanded the police take action against the culprits and arrest them.



Representatives of other supporting organisations, including Tribal NGOs Consortium, also demanded the government ensure security of people who are transgender in K-P and Fata.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th,  2016.