Islamabad, 21 March 2023 (GNP): Transgender violence is a harsh reality which affects millions of individuals worldwide. In Pakistan, this issue has reached an alarming level, with transgender people being regularly subjected to physical and emotional abuse, harassment, discrimination and killings. Despite efforts by human rights organizations and the government, the situation remains dire, and urgent action is needed to protect this vulnerable group.
Transgender people in Pakistan face a range of challenges that are unique to their identity. They often experience discrimination and social exclusion from mainstream society, making them vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. These acts of violence are often perpetrated by the members of their own community, including family members, friends, and colleagues.
The violence is the same even for the most influential trans personalities in the country. Since becoming Pakistan’s first transgender news anchor in 2018, Marvia Malik has continued to raise her voice on violence conducted against the transgender community in the country. She has frequently used her platform to voice her concerns regarding the mistreatment of trans community and giving them their due rights.
During her journey of success through media, she experienced a gun attack in February of 2023 outside her residence in Lahore which she successfully evaded. The news anchor claimed that she had been receiving threatening phone calls and messages from unknown numbers, adding that the assassination attempt and threatening phone calls were “significantly” influenced by her advocacy for transgender rights.
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The root cause of transgender violence in Pakistan lies in the deeply ingrained cultural and societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and stigmatization against the transgender community. In Pakistan, the term ‘Hijra’ is used to describe transgender people, and it is often associated with derogatory and abusive language. Hijras are often forced to resort to begging or prostitution to make a living, which further perpetuates the cycle of violence and abuse they experience.
The government of Pakistan has taken some steps to address this issue, such as the establishment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in 2018, which recognized the rights of transgender people and outlawed discrimination against them. However, the implementation of this law has been slow, and many trans people continue to be denied basic rights and protection.
Human rights organizations have also been working tirelessly to raise awareness about transgender violence in Pakistan and advocate for change. They have been working to educate the public about the rights of transgender people and provide support to those who have been affected by assault and discrimination.
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However, more needs to be done to protect the transgender community in Pakistan. The government needs to take urgent action to implement the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act effectively and ensure that transgender people are not discriminated against in any aspect of their lives. This includes ensuring that they have access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, and are protected from violence and abuse.
The way society views trans people has to change. This calls for a coordinated effort to raise awareness of transgender concerns and to encourage acceptance. By recognising transgender people’s contributions to society and showing them in a positive light, the media may help with this as well.
In addition, it should be noted that Pakistan has a serious problem with transgender violence that has to be addressed right away. It is crucial that the government, human rights organisations, and society at large, work together to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals and make sure they may live their lives with respect and dignity. We must acknowledge that everyone has a right to kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of how they identify as gendered.
