**Advocates Urge Pakistan to Strengthen Protections for Transgender Community Amid Rising Violence**
Human rights advocates have called for immediate action from the Government of Pakistan to address increasing violence against the transgender community, stressing the urgent need for safety, dignity, and justice for transgender individuals throughout the country.
Reports of violence targeting transgender persons have become alarmingly frequent in the media, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by this marginalized group. Activists argue that such brutality often goes unpunished, creating a climate of impunity and fear for transgender individuals across Pakistan.
Civil society organizations have demanded that the government establish a comprehensive and responsive protection system for transgender persons. They have highlighted successful initiatives such as the #Tahafuz centers—which provide support through transgender victim support officers in every district of Punjab—and the Gender Crime Cell of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police as effective models. These centers offer dedicated resources and specialized personnel to assist victims, serving as examples for other provinces to emulate.
Proponents emphasize that these measures are essential to uphold the basic human rights of transgender people in Pakistan. Advocates also urge government authorities to sensitize law enforcement agencies, ensure access to justice, and foster greater inclusivity at all levels of society.
The campaign is supported by several human rights organizations and uses hashtags such as #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #EndTransViolence, and #JusticeForAll to rally public support for ending violence against the transgender community and ensuring their protection under the law.
