PHC seeks IGP reply on transgender abuse

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a notice to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police, directing him to submit a reply within 14 days on a petition filed against harassment, violence, and forced expulsion of transgender persons by police.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Faheem Wali heard the case.

During the hearing, the petitioners' counsel informed the court that transgender persons across the province were facing mistreatment at the hands of police. He argued that they were being harassed with threats of expulsion from districts, prevented from participating in social gatherings, and deprived of alternative employment opportunities.

The lawyer further stated that transgender persons are equal citizens of Pakistan with constitutional rights, yet they are being unfairly targeted. He alleged that police and local residents in Swabi and Peshawar were forcing transgender persons to leave the districts and had also imposed restrictions on their cultural programs, which he termed unconstitutional and unlawful.

The court was also told that transgender individuals continue to face killings and violence, while police have failed to provide them adequate protection despite repeated protests by the community.

Adjourning the hearing, the bench directed the provincial police chief to submit a detailed report on the matter.