Police launch investigation after trans activist Bindiya Rana targeted at Karachi residence

Armed assailants, trying to forcibly enter the house, opened fire on resistance

KARACHI:

The police have launched an investigation after transgender activist Bindiya Rana narrowly escaped an attack at her Karachi home in the early hours of Monday, highlighting growing concerns over the community's safety in the metropolis.

The first information report (FIR) of the incident was lodged at her complaint at the Baloch Colony Police Station under Sections 34 (common intention) and 324 (attempt to murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to the FIR, the incident took place at around 2am when two unidentified armed suspects rang the doorbell of the activist’s residence and began firing when it opened.

It said Rana and fellow transrights Zehrish Soomro, town councilor Of Town Municipal Committee-Safoora-PPP, were at home at the time.

Soomro told The Express Tribune that the attackers tried to forcibly enter the house, prompting Rana to attempt to protect herself. She said Rana reportedly fell during the attack while the assailants fled the scene.

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Soomro termed the incident as part of a worrying trend of attacks against transgender individuals in Karachi. Rana has called on authorities to ensure security arrangements in the area, particularly for the transgender community. 

It may be recalled that over the past few years, the transgender community has reported incidents of threats, harassment, and violent assaults, including target killings.

In September 2025, bullet‑ridden bodies of three transgender persons were found dumped in the Memon Goth area of Karachi near Superhighway, sparking widespread shock and condemnation.