Transgender persons protest police harassment

M. Irshadullah Khan

PESHAWAR: The transgender community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held a protest demonstration against police harassment and demanding action.

The protesters gathered in front of the KP assembly building, and alleged that police personnel regularly extort money from them, physically abuse them besides denying them their basic rights.

Dolphin, one of the protest leaders, told media, “Police harassment has become a daily reality for us. They come to our residences, demand cash, and threaten us with arrest and violence if we don’t comply. We are helpless and have nowhere to go.”

Another protester, Bilal, added, “Police beat us and don’t allow us to join our daily music programs, which is our only source of income. They also deny us our right to move freely and participate in public events. We demand that  authorities take action against those police personnel who harass us and ensure our safety and protection.”

The protesters carried banners and placards, chanting slogans against police brutality and demanding equal rights. They also submitted a memorandum to the KP assembly, urging the government to take concrete steps to address their grievances.

The transgender community in KP has long faced discrimination, violence, and harassment, with many forced to live on the margins of society.

The protesters demanded that the government provide them with protection, recognition, and equal opportunities.