Tragically, the bodies of three transgender individuals were discovered on a roadside in Karachi, Pakistan, marking a grim incident of violence against the community. Police reported that the victims were shot by unidentified assailants shortly after midnight on Sunday in the Memon Goth area of the city.
Authorities are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and to determine the motive behind this brutal attack. The discovery comes amid growing concerns about the safety of transgender people in Pakistan, often referred to as Hijras, who continue to face significant social exclusion and violence.
Amnesty International has noted a disturbing increase in attacks targeting the transgender community. In response to the incident, Sindh’s provincial chief minister expressed a commitment to ensuring dignity and respect for transgender individuals, emphasizing their vulnerability within society.
This event also brings to light the complex legal landscape for transgender rights in Pakistan. While a bill was passed by the Senate in 2018 to protect transgender rights and allow self-identification, key provisions were later overturned by a Sharia court. Despite these challenges, estimates suggest that about half a million transgender citizens reside in Pakistan, many of whom experience social exclusion and abuse. A recent report highlighted that a staggering 90% of transgender individuals in Pakistan have faced physical assaults.