Transpersons join power protests

Community stages protest against increase in electricity tariff by Islamabad Electric Supply Company

RAWALPINDI:

The members of the transgender community have also come forward to join in the ongoing country-wide protests against inflation and a substantial increase in utility charges.

On Saturday, scores of people belonging to the community staged a protest against the increase in electricity tariff by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) by blocking the Murree Road for traffic. The protesters chanted slogans and kept beating their chests at the main entrance of the IESCO office at Murrir Chowk.

Dozens of eunuchs belonging to the Rawalpindi transgender community, under the leadership of their guru [leader] Almas Bobby, gathered outside the IESCO office at Murrir Chowk and staged a protest against the increase in the power tariff.

The protesters, who were carrying placards and electricity bills in their hands, tried to enter the customer care office established on the IESCO premises, at which the power company’s staff immediately closed the doors.

The members of the protest recorded their protest by banging on the office door and chanting slogans against the relevant authorities.

On the occasion, Almas Bobby while talking to the media said: “Due to the increase in electricity bills and inflation, members of the transgender community have also badly suffered like other sections of the society.”

The government should immediately announce special relief for the trans-persons, otherwise the agitation will spread across the country, she warned.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2023.