This development follows a recent incident where transgender persons and participants of a music program reportedly used “abusive language” against the police who attempted to stop the event. Following the incident, the police launched a crackdown, leading to the arrest of 226 people, including two transgender persons.
Formation of an 11-Member Committee An 11-member committee was formed, including Maulana Abdul Samad Haqqani, the tehsil president of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F); religious leader Maulana Abdul Hadi; Gul Nabi Khan, president of Islahi Jirga Maneri Payyan; Bakhtiar Khan, general secretary; Bashir Khan, president of Islahi Jirga Maneri Bala; Gul Rehman, general secretary; Yasir Khan, president of Anjuman-i-Dokandaran, Swabi city; Irsalan Khan, senior vice-president; Zamin Shah Bhutto, president of Traders Link Road Swabi; and two transgender individuals.
Maulana Haqqani stated, “We don’t want our youth to get involved in wrong activities and wish to create an environment where everyone earns a livelihood with dignity and honor.” Maulana Samad added that the committee wants transgender persons to leave the district peacefully and earn their livelihood elsewhere, as their presence leads to music shows that negatively impact the youth. Yasir Khan said that in the first phase, transgender persons would be asked to leave peacefully, and if that doesn’t work, the district police would be involved. He affirmed, “We are determined to achieve our target.”
Response from the Transgender Community In a video message, the transgender persons said that they respect elders and treat everyone with respect, but circumstances have forced them to speak out. They asserted that the expulsion would never happen. They warned the elders against taking the law into their own hands, stating that they respect and follow local norms and values while earning a livelihood.
They also complained that people blame them for their children’s actions of watching their performances. The transgender persons stated that they are aware of the law and the Constitution, and if they were given government jobs, they would be willing to stop dancing at functions. They also pointed out that while they are not involved in the sale of ice-drug or liquor, other illegal activities are happening in the district that need attention. They urged the elders to view them from a humanitarian perspective, as they are part of Pakhtun society.
Meanwhile, the committee members stated that they are expected to meet in the coming days and will also hold a meeting with the district police to discuss a strategy for “expelling” transgender persons from the district.
