PHC restrains police from harassing transgenders

Seeks govt's response to petition alleging illegal evictions

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday restrained the police from harassing members of the transgender community and issued notices to the provincial government, police, and other relevant authorities, seeking their replies on a petition alleging illegal evictions and harassment.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Inamullah Khan heard the writ petition. During the proceedings, Justice Inamullah Khan observed that violence against Khawaja Saras, including their murders, brings disrepute to the province. "The government should take serious measures to provide protection to the Khawaja Saras," he remarked.

The petitioners' counsel and Additional Advocate General Fazl-e-Mola appeared before the court. The lawyer informed the bench that the police were pressuring transgender individuals, evicting them from their homes, and not allowing them to live peacefully.

At one point, Justice Syed Arshad Ali inquired whether any legislation was being prepared regarding the rights of transgender persons. The Additional Advocate General informed the court that a report had been prepared which includes provisions for shelter homes, an endowment fund, and quotas for Khawaja Saras in various government departments. He also mentioned the appointment of Khawaja Sara Sobia as a warden in the Central Jail.

Members of the transgender community present in the court told the judges that police were bringing people to their homes and forcing them to vacate the premises. "They are not even letting us stay in our houses and are telling us to leave," they submitted, requesting the court to restrain the police from harassing them.

The petitioners' counsel further pointed out that while the government forms committees for the protection and welfare of the Khawaja Sara community, these bodies lack proper representation from the community itself. Justice Syed Arshad Ali directed that Khawaja Saras should be given due representation in such committees.

After hearing the initial arguments, the bench restrained the police from harassing the petitioners and adjourned the hearing, directing the authorities to submit a detailed report on the next date.