Several transgender protesters were reportedly subjected to torture by the Haripur police on GT Road in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The clash ensued when the police used force and baton charge to disperse the protesters, resulting in injuries to many individuals. The transgender community had assembled near Karakoram Highway to conduct a rally advocating for their rights.
The protesters had blocked the road and were vocally expressing grievances against the police, as per reports from Pakistani daily The Express Tribune. Allegations were made by the protesters that the police had imposed restrictions on the transgender community, leading to claims of harassment. The protesters asserted that the police actions were hindering their employment opportunities by preventing them from organizing entertainment events.
In an attempt to halt the protest in compliance with Section 144 regulations enforced in Murree, the police encountered resistance from the protesters. Subsequently, the police resorted to using force and baton charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to two transgender individuals and police personnel. The injured parties were promptly taken to the hospital, while several transgender protesters were apprehended by the police.
Members of the transgender community in Faisalabad, Pakistan, had previously expressed concerns regarding discrimination and the lack of implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. Specifically, they highlighted the failure to enforce the three per cent job quota in government and semi-government institutions. Dr. Farri, a Victim Support Officer at a Police Service Center, shared her challenges in securing stable employment despite holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. She recounted facing verbal abuse and insensitivity while seeking employment opportunities.
Dr. Farri detailed her unsuccessful attempts to secure positions in various government departments under the reserved quota system. She emphasized the financial struggles faced by employees, citing monthly salaries of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 30,000 below the minimum wage standards. Dr. Farri urged the government to provide permanent employment opportunities with fair wages to enable dignified living for transgender individuals amid economic challenges.
