Living in violence
During the Mughal era, the Khawaja Sara community – considered the most trusted of the servants – enjoyed privileged positions. These transgender persons were appointed in many different fields including as teachers and court advisers. Some also rose to ranks in the army. But their influence soon ebbed as the British took over. Soon they were neglected by the British Raj, and were registered and controlled under the Criminal Tribes Act. It is also suspected that they were being kidnapped, castrated and sodomised.
This discriminatory colonial mindset, which aims to restrict the idea of gender within the colonial framework, continued till the independence and beyond. Historian Jessica Hinchy has written in her essay about the British colonialists that they “sought to establish a new social order where the British man was the apex of masculinity”. These ideas have now become ingrained in the cultures and religions of the subcontinent leading to the ostracisation of Khawaja Saras. Pakistan’s Khawaja Sara community too has long been living under the grip of repression and violence. Acts of killing and brutality against the community are not just restricted to feelings of hate but are being systematically planned, with many calling it a genocidal act. The situation has exacerbated specifically in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where a wave of violence has killed as many as 70 Khawaja Saras in the last few years. Just a few days ago, one was shot dead in Mardan while another was critically wounded. Despite laws being passed for their protection, lack of implementation has led to the community facing stigma, poverty and marginalisation.
The incumbent PTI government must take immediate notice of this increasing trend of violence. Investigations must be carried out and the mafia behind this must be dismantled. Human rights organisations, community members and activists need to be brought on board to change the discriminatory stigmas attached to Khawaja Saras. In sum, the community must be protected and provided justice.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2022.
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