On September 21, bodies of three transgender women, each bearing gunshot wounds were found on the roadside in Karachi. This was reported two days after a transgender woman received multiple injuries during a knife attack on the metropolis’ Sea View Beach, a popular tourist site.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate probe in the shooting. “Transgender (people) are an oppressed section of the society,” he remarked, adding that they must be treated with dignity and respect.
Members of the transgender community and civil society even flocked outside Karachi Press Club on September 25 to stage a sit-in against the brutal murders, demanding swift justice, and a government-level inquiry. “Our safety and protection must be respected,” a protester demanded, adding that they live in a constant state of worry of their wellbeing as anyone can enter their houses forcefully and take their lives yet nothing is done.
“We pay our bills, we pay our taxes, we are equal citizens of this country and we should be respected,” another protester said, adding that it’s about time that they are treated as humans too.
“Authorities and society don’t have a problem with us as long as we sing and dance. But when we ask for education or political participation, we are attacked,” said trans rights activist A. Khan, referring to the latest spate of attacks against members of her community.
The recent attacks are only the latest examples of the physical violence they continue to endure. But online violence and hate against them is even more pervasive than we like to admit. Except in their case, the online hate they receive translates into a direct threat to their existence.
Transgender women in Pakistan have continued to remain the main target of an organised wave of online hate campaigns in recent years, creating serious threats to both their safety and their legal rights.
Raid in Lahore
Pakistani fashion designer Maria B, who is known for her stern stance against the rights of transgender people in Pakistan, posted a now deleted video on her Instagram on August 15, 2025 in which she was seen reacting to images and videos of a private trans party in Lahore. The videos and pictures of the private party were shared in her DMs and she chose to post them on her social media account. In the video, she claimed that transgender people are all “biological males” and they are selling their own agenda. She commented on the clothes people wore to the private event, and called their fashion choices “satanic”, adding that she will not stop speaking about this topic no matter how much she is shunned by “desi liberals”.
As a consequence, a case was registered against 50 to 60 transgender persons in Lahore under sections 292 (public display of obscenity), 292-A(criminalizing the exposure of seduction to children), and 294 (obscene acts in public) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The case, however, was later dismissed by a magistrate due to a lack of evidence.
In response, transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali denounced the designer’s remarks as hate speech and defamatory to the transgender community. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) subsequently issued a notice to Maria B, who defended her comments as an exercise of her right to freedom of speech under Article 19 of Constitution of Pakistan”, adding that she shared “reasonable” opinions and expressed her genuine concern in “good faith” and for “larger public good”.
Speaking to DRM, Ali said the police had carried out unlawful arrests, deepening mistrust between the transgender community and law enforcement. “This event forced us to reimagine police as perpetrators rather than protectors of our rights,” she said, stressing that social media influencers have a responsibility to promote tolerance and peace. This post, however, fueled transphobia and eroded acceptance of an already vulnerable group, she remarked.
Ali added that such viral posts were part of a wider “anti-trans” trend where influencers build narratives that further marginalise the community.
“When online hatred, media campaigns, and anti-trans movements are promoted and supported by the local community, incidents like these would be common”, said Shehzadi Rai, a trans activist and the head of Sindh Moorat March. The rising intolerance in Pakistan towards transgender community is an alarming issue; it not only endangers the vulnerable communities but also instills deep-rooted hatred against transgender community.
Khan said social media has become a tool for spreading propaganda by mixing religious, cultural, and moral narratives to target trans movements. “This online hatred and prejudice directly fuel violence, bigotry, and attacks on the community,” she added.
Raid in Swabi
On September 10, the police booked 226 people, including two transgender persons, for resisting a raid at a dance show. Later, an 11-member jirga sat on the matter and declared that all transgender persons living in Swabi district should be expelled. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the decision, calling it unlawful and derogatory.
“It’s heartbreaking to see such regressive steps towards promoting inclusivity and respecting human rights. We must re-examine morality laws and work towards creating a more just and equitable society,” remarked Mahnoor Chaudhry, the director of Khawaja Sira Society.
“In such circumstances, the transgender community (continues to) live in a paradox,” Khan remarked. “We are not allowed to earn a livelihood through performance, nor are we given the opportunity to pursue education or suitable employment.”
A legal advisor requesting anonymity commented that the jirga’s decision to expel the transgender community from Swabi District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a concerning example of systemic marginalisation and disregard for human rights. Such decisions can exacerbate the vulnerability of transgender individuals and perpetuate a culture of intolerance.
With the rise of post-truth politics, which refers to emotional manipulation, misinformation and rise of social media ultimately resulting in building a public narrative, and right-wing political narratives, the digital and offline spaces have become stifling for transgender communities.
Nayab Khan, responding to DRM, added that the surge in anti- trans narrative and hate speech is a planned movement initiated to curb the trans movement and stop them from their fight to gain their constitutional rights.
A pattern of violence
At least 158 transgender persons have been murdered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2015, none of whom have received justice, according to Farzana Riaz, the president of the Trans Action Alliance,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) reported that at least 20 transgender persons were killed in 2021 alone, while many others faced violent attacks, sexual harassment, abduction, and discrimination.
According to the Voice of Pakistani Minority (VOMP), eight transgender persons have been killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far in 2025. Since 2009, the toll has risen to 158, with over 1,500 cases of violence reported. Research by HOPE and Sathi Foundation highlights that only 34 percent of cases are pursued, while the majority go unreported.
Curbing online abuse
In 2018, Pakistan won international praise for passing the landmark Transgender Rights Act, considered one of the most progressive laws in the region for recognising and protecting the rights of transgender people, including the right to life, education and healthcare.
The law was, however, strongly opposed by religious groups who labelled it as “un-Islamic” and claimed that it would “undermine the family system”. In 2023, the Federal Shariat court struck down key provisions of the law including sections, sections 2(f), 3 and 7 of the Transgender Act 2018 which relate to gender identity, recognition of the identity of a transgender person, and right to inherit.
The legal landscape of Pakistan lacks implementation of transgender laws, which results in further marginalisation of the community. Ammar Ali, a legal advisor in Islamabad, added that “The law’s success heavily relies on its implementation, which has been inconsistent. Due to the lack of effectiveness of the law, transgender individuals still face significant social stigma and discrimination.
Advocate Ammar Ali highlighted the importance of clear legal frameworks, noting that “with specific guidelines on hate speech and its prosecution, the PECA Laws” could play a stronger role in curbing online abuse.
“The lack of structural protections and full operationalisation of the Transgender Protection Center often accounts for no support to the victims, leaving them in an uncomfortable space, ” said National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan Chairperson Rabiya Javeri. “By enforcing protection mechanisms like safe complaint units, legal aid cells, and public campaigns against stigma, dignity, and protection of vulnerable communities can be ensured.”
She further said that Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan, Rabiya Javeri Agha told DRM that in the environment of stigma, vague provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and its sections 20, 37, and “false information” clauses, enable its misuse. Viral misinformation too often triggers punitive action, undermining due process and weaponising the law against vulnerable communities, especially the transgender community.
Javeri stressed the need for urgent reforms. “There is a need for reforming PECA Laws, repealing and narrowing the vague clauses in the law. Inculcating more protective frameworks, such as data privacy laws, legal aid, and commissions for press freedom and harassment victims, would promote freedom and give the courage to survivors and victims to speak about violence and injustice,” she said.
A transgender and human rights activist, requesting anonymity, told DRM that ‘’even empowered members of the community hesitate to report harassment or cyberbullying due to the slow and cumbersome processes at NCCIA (National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency) and FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) and lack of trust in the law enforcement agencies.’’
Chaudhary emphasised the challenges faced by transgender persons in accessing justice. “Reporting incidents like bullying, harassment, or violence is a daunting task. Authorities must create a safe and supportive environment for them to report such incidents without fear of persecution or further victimization,” she said.
She also pointed to positive initiatives already in place. “We can promote best practices of Punjab where trans individuals are hired as a Victim Support Officer at Tahafuzz Centre to promote and build protection for marginalised groups,” she added. By reforming morality laws and ensuring that laws are fair, inclusive and protect everyone’s rights. There is a need to educate and raise awareness to challenge societal norms and promote acceptance and diversity. In the context of reforms in legal spaces, she pinpointed the need to train and sensitise law enforcement agencies to handle cases involving trans people with sensitivity and respect.
The story has been edited by Yasal Munim who works as Senior Manager Programs at Media Matters for Democracy.
