Riz Ahmed highlights life of Pakistan's transgender community in Instagram vacation photos

The Emmy Award-winner was in Pakistan for a short visit


Entertainment Desk March 07, 2018
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED

Pakistani-British actor Riz Ahmed was recently in Lahore to attend the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) as part of a panel discussion with The Reluctant Fundamentalist author, Mohsin Hamid. After Lahore, he made his way to Karachi and spent a few days in the metropolitan city as well.

A few days ago, Ahmed stated that he would be sharing some pictures from his short visit to Pakistan. Indeed, the 35-year-old kept his promise but the pictures he has revealed are much more than basic holiday throwbacks. In his latest Instagram post, Ahmed highlights the tough life led by the transgender community of Pakistan.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf-0PSsBYvp/?hl=en&taken-by=rizahmed

Ahmed penned that the transgenders have been a part of South Asian culture for over a hundred years and that there are probably many more transgenders in Pakistan than in other big cities such as New York or London.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED

"In recent times, Pakistan has recognised the 'third gender' on official government documents, cementing their place in the society. But despite this recognition, they are marginalised and often earn a living through dancing, sex work or a kind of spiritual begging," he wrote.



With a diverse fan following, Ahmed aims to educate the world about the current situation of transgenders across the country and possibly other parts of the world as well.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED

Apart from this, Ahmed previously posted pictures of truck art that he happened to come across on his trip and was amazed by. He captioned the photos, "No one does cars, trucks and lorries like us."

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3MZjjh2Q7/?hl=en&taken-by=rizahmed

Taking a bite of unseen Karachi, the Star Wars actor also shared some clips of the old city's Juna Market and Johriya Bazaar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfy_bleBNJb/?hl=en&taken-by=rizahmed

Considering this was the rapper's first trip to Pakistan in 13 years, Ahmed was overwhelmed but seemed like he was proud of his roots.  He also stated that visiting Pakistan was like visiting an ex, adding that a lot has changed since he came here last.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfwYrkPh0ZE/?hl=en&taken-by=rizahmed

Needless to say, the Emmy Award-winner looked dashing in a traditional kurta shalwar in his photos from Karachi.

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