Peshawar High Court Stops Police from Harassing Transgender Community

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has restrained police from harassing members of the transgender community while seeking detailed replies from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and other authorities over allegations of illegal evictions and intimidation.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Inamullah Khan heard the petition filed by members of the transgender community, who claimed they were being pressured by police to vacate their homes and were unable to live peacefully.

During the hearing, Justice Inamullah Khan expressed concern over the treatment of the transgender community, observing that violence and murders targeting Khawaja Saras had brought disrepute to the province. He stressed that the government should take meaningful steps to ensure their safety and protection.

Counsel for the petitioners argued that police officers were visiting the homes of transgender individuals, bringing other people with them, and forcing residents to leave. Members of the community present in court also told the bench that they were repeatedly being asked to vacate their homes despite having committed no wrongdoing.

The court also questioned the provincial government about legislative efforts to protect transgender rights. In response, the Additional Advocate General informed the bench that a report had been prepared proposing several welfare measures, including the establishment of shelter homes, an endowment fund, and reserved quotas for transgender persons in government departments.

The government further informed the court that transgender rights activist Sobia had been appointed as a warden at the Central Jail as part of efforts to improve representation within public institutions.

The petitioners’ lawyer also argued that government committees formed for the welfare and protection of the transgender community often lacked meaningful representation from the community itself. The court directed the authorities to ensure adequate representation of Khawaja Saras in such bodies.

After hearing the preliminary arguments, the PHC barred police from harassing the petitioners and issued notices to the provincial government, police, and other relevant authorities. The bench directed them to submit a detailed report before the next hearing.