Activist Barfi Shot, Others Assaulted in Alarming Spike in Attacks
The transgender community in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is under severe threat, with increasing violence and no protection from authorities. In the latest incident, transgender activist Barfi was shot in the leg at Ghanta Ghar, Peshawar. She is currently battling for her life, highlighting the fear and insecurity that trans persons are facing across the province.
This is not an isolated incident. Other activists, including Chahat, have been assaulted, while Maria was murdered and Alisha was fatally shot in Mardan. These targeted attacks reflect a disturbing trend of violence, discrimination, and state neglect.
At a press conference held at the Peshawar Press Club, leaders of the Transgender Community Organisation, President Farzana Riaz and Vice President Mahigul, revealed horrifying details of abuse. They accused the police of forcibly evicting transgender persons and ignoring crimes like extortion, kidnapping, and even murder. “We are being expelled from every district,” said Farzana. “We don’t even have an identity in our own country.”
195 Killed, 1,000 Injured — Yet No Justice for Trans Community
The transgender community is not only facing physical violence but also systemic neglect. Promises made by past governments have not been fulfilled. These include former CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s pledge to provide separate hospital beds, and PTI’s 2018 commitment to build separate wards for transgender persons—none of which materialised.
Extortion is another major concern. Farzana revealed that 17 transgender persons were forced to pay over Rs10 million in extortion. Those who refuse face harassment, beatings, or eviction. Activists also highlighted how clerics have incited violence using mosque loudspeakers, contributing to a climate of fear and hatred.
In Swabi, transgender individuals including activist Naseema were issued 15-day eviction notices and violently removed from their homes. Police raids backed by local elders and councillors were also reported in Nowshera, Charsadda, Swat, Haripur, Batkhela, and Buner.
Although the Peshawar High Court has ordered senior police officials to submit a report by November 4, no action has yet been taken. Community voices like Arzoo Khan from the Manzil Foundation condemned the silence of the authorities, saying, “The government is nowhere to be seen when it comes to our protection.”
Farzana called on new K-P Chief Minister Shoaib Afridi to take immediate action. She pleaded, “We are part of this society, not outsiders. We deserve safety, respect, and the right to live with dignity, just like every other citizen.”
