Pride Pakistan

Category: Statement

  • Online Hate Campaigns Against LGBTQI+ Pakistanis, A Dangerous Trend

    Online Hate Campaigns Against LGBTQI+ Pakistanis, A Dangerous Trend

    Pride Pakistan unequivocally condemns the rising wave of homophobic rhetoric and online hate targeting LGBTQI+ individuals in Pakistan. In recent weeks, several public figures and influencers have used their platforms to incite hostility, spread misinformation, and dehumanize queer and trans communities.

    This is not free speech, it is targeted harassment. It endangers lives, fuels stigma, and undermines the basic human rights of LGBTQI+ Pakistanis.

    We call on civil society, media platforms, and allies to stand against this hate. We urge social media companies to enforce their policies against harassment and hate speech. And we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and uplifting LGBTQI+ voices across Pakistan.

    In recent months, Pakistan’s LGBTQI+ community has faced an alarming surge in online hate campaigns led by influential figures with large followings. These campaigns not only spread misinformation but also incite violence and deepen societal stigma.

    🔥 Who’s Spreading the Hate?

    Among the most vocal are:

    • Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan (@SenatorMushtaq) – A member of Jamaat-e-Islami, he has repeatedly used his platform to denounce LGBTQI+ visibility, framing it as a threat to national values. In a recent podcast with Raja Zia ul Haq, he criticized the “rise of LGBTQ in Pakistan” and called for stricter controls on queer expression YouTube.
    • Raja Zia ul Haq (@qaiseraraja) – Known for his YouTube content and public lectures, Raja Zia has amplified anti-LGBTQI+ narratives, often portraying queer identities as moral corruption. His content regularly misrepresents LGBTQI+ lives and fuels public hostility YouTube.
    • @njia_B – A lesser-known but increasingly vocal account that has shared homophobic tweets targeting queer activists and organizations, often using religious and nationalist rhetoric to justify hate.
    • Maria B (@MariaBDesigns) – The fashion designer has repeatedly made inflammatory statements about LGBTQI+ individuals. In a podcast, she claimed that “80% of men in Pakistan’s fashion industry are LGBTQ” and criticized queer visibility as a moral threat. More recently, she described an alleged LGBTQ-themed event in Lahore as “satanic,” sparking widespread backlash and a legal complaint from the transgender community. BOL News.

    These individuals are not engaging in debate — they are inciting discrimination. Their words have real-world consequences, especially in a country where LGBTQI+ people already face legal ambiguity, social exclusion, and threats to their safety Equaldex rajuakon.com.

    📉 The Impact on LGBTQI+ Lives

    Pakistan ranks low on global LGBTQI+ acceptance indices. According to Equaldex, over 88% of surveyed Pakistanis in 2022 said homosexuality was unjustifiable, and nearly 60% would not accept queer neighbors Equaldex. These attitudes are reinforced by online hate, making it harder for LGBTQI+ individuals to access healthcare, legal protection, and community support.

    🛡️ What We Stand For

    Pride Pakistan exists to challenge this narrative. We provide:

    • Mental health and crisis support
    • Legal guidance and safe reporting tools
    • Community resources and visibility campaigns
    • Advocacy for policy change and public education

    We believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and freedom — regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

    📣 Call to Action

    We urge:

    • Social media platforms to enforce anti-hate policies and suspend accounts inciting violence
    • Journalists and educators to challenge misinformation and amplify queer voices
    • Allies and civil society to speak out and support inclusive spaces

    Hate has no place in our society. Silence is complicity.

    🔗 References

    1. Straight as a Rainbow? Evolving Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in Pakistan – Springer
    2. LGBT Rights in Pakistan – Equaldex
    3. RISE OF LGBTQ IN PAKISTAN – YouTube Podcast with Senator Mushtaq & Raja Zia ul Haq
    4. Homosexuality in Pakistan – Raju Akon
    5. Pakistan LGBTQI+ Resources – Rights in Exile
    6. Maria B criticises alleged LGBTQ event in Lahore – Bol News

  • Council of Islamic Ideology Issues Fatwa Calling for Gay Men to Be Killed

    Council of Islamic Ideology Issues Fatwa Calling for Gay Men to Be Killed

    In Pakistan, gay men face not only social stigma and family rejection but also the threat of state-backed religious decrees. A 2019 case reported by The Express Tribune demonstrates how the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), families, and police together weaponised law and religion to target a young gay man, leaving him vulnerable to violence and persecution.

    ⚖️ The Case of M: Betrayed by Family, Targeted by Religion, Abandoned by Law

    In May 2019, the Lahore High Court dismissed a protective bail petition filed by a young man, identified as M, who feared for his life after being exposed for his sexuality.

    • Family Betrayal: While studying in the UK, M entered into relationships with other men. When his family in Gujrat discovered this, they turned against him. His uncle filed a civil suit demanding 50 million rupees in damages, claiming M’s homosexuality had caused “mental distress” and “social embarrassment.”
    • Religious Targeting: The family approached the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which issued a fatwa in March 2018 declaring that M should be killed upon his return to Pakistan. This religious decree effectively sanctioned violence against him.
    • Police Involvement: Acting on the family’s complaint, police were asked to register a case against M under Section 377, the colonial-era law criminalising same-sex relations. Even without a formal FIR, the threat of arrest loomed large.
    • Judicial Failure: M filed for protective bail, hoping the courts would shield him from arbitrary arrest or family violence. Instead, the Lahore High Court dismissed his petition, leaving him vulnerable to both state persecution and honour-based violence.

    🚨 What This Case Reveals

    This case is a chilling example of how gay men in Pakistan are systematically targeted:

    • Families weaponise honour and shame.
    • Religious authorities issue fatwas that legitimise violence, even calling for execution.
    • Police exploit Section 377 to harass and threaten.
    • Courts often fail to protect, reinforcing impunity.

    Together, these forces create a hostile environment where being gay is treated as a crime punishable by law, stigma, and even death.

    For gay men in Pakistan, the law is not protection, it is persecution. Survivors of such cases live in constant fear of exposure, arrest, or even death at the hands of their own families.

    To every gay man who has been betrayed, silenced, or hunted: your life is not dishonour, your love is not a crime, and your existence is not negotiable.

    🌍 International Standards

    • The United Nations Human Rights Council has affirmed that criminalising homosexuality violates international law.
    • The World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990.
    • Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned Pakistan’s continued use of Section 377 and religious decrees to persecute gay men.

    📚References

    The CII’s fatwa calling for the killing of a gay man is not an isolated decree, it is part of a systemic pattern of persecution. Families, police, and religious authorities work together to criminalise and endanger gay men in Pakistan.

    Pride Pakistan calls on the government to repeal Section 377, reject religious decrees that incite violence, and uphold the fundamental human rights of all citizens.

    Our Statement:

    As Pride Pakistan, we strongly condemn the fatwa issued by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) that calls for the killing of gay men. Such decrees are not only inhumane but also provide dangerous justification for violence that is already widespread. Across Pakistan, many gay men have been murdered by their own families in so-called “honour killings,” while countless others live under constant threat of exposure, blackmail, and abuse. This fatwa does not represent justice or faith, it represents hate weaponised against vulnerable people. We stand with every gay man whose life has been endangered by these laws and decrees, and we call on the state and international community to hold those responsible to account and to protect the fundamental right to life and dignity for all.

  • Entrapped and Silenced: How Security Agencies Target Pakistan’s Gay Community

    Entrapped and Silenced: How Security Agencies Target Pakistan’s Gay Community

    Stories We Hear Every Day

    At Pride Pakistan, we receive countless messages from LGBTQ+ individuals who have endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of those meant to protect them. These are not isolated stories—they form a disturbing pattern of honey trapping, blackmail, sexual abuse, torture, and extortion carried out by individuals linked to Pakistan’s FIA, NCCIA, police, army, and intelligence agencies.

    For many victims, the trauma is compounded by silence. Families often disown them, society blames them, and the state criminalises their very existence. This article is dedicated to those voices, those who have suffered in silence, those who are still trapped, and those who continue to resist.

    • Honey Trap Scandals Involving Police: In Lahore and Rawalpindi, multiple gangs—including serving police officers, were arrested for running honey trap schemes. Victims were lured through social media, invited to private flats, then assaulted, filmed, and blackmailed. In one case, over 50 victims were identified, with explicit videos used to extort money under threat of exposure.
    • The Case of Bilal Aslam (Punjab Police): Recently, a victim contacted Pride Pakistan and identified Bilal Aslam, a serving officer in the Punjab Police, as someone who has been sexually abusing and blackmailing gay community members. Survivors report being coerced into sexual acts under threat of exposure, with demands for money to prevent fabricated cases being filed against them. This case highlights how individuals within law enforcement exploit their authority to prey on vulnerable community members.
    • Systematic Harassment of Gay Men: Research has shown that gay men in Pakistan routinely face verbal harassment, sexual violence, and blackmail, often from those in positions of authority.
    • Use of Law as a Weapon: Section 377 of the Penal Code, which criminalises same-sex relations, is frequently used by police and agencies not to prosecute but to threaten, extort, and silence LGBTQ+ individuals.

    To every person who has been trapped, abused, or blackmailed: your pain is real, your story matters, and you are not alone.

    We know the courage it takes to reach out after such trauma. Many survivors describe feelings of shame, fear, and hopelessness. But let us be clear: the shame belongs to the perpetrators, not to you.

    🛡️ Safety Guidance for Community Members

    Online Safety

    • Use a VPN to protect your identity and location.
    • Verify contacts before meeting—video call first.
    • Avoid sharing intimate photos or personal details.
    • Watch for red flags: secrecy, pressure to meet quickly, refusal to show identity.

    Offline Safety

    • Meet in public places first.
    • Avoid isolated flats or remote areas.
    • Inform a trusted friend of your location.
    • Trust your instincts and leave if something feels unsafe.

    We demand that:

    • The Government of Pakistan investigate and prosecute individuals within security agencies, including Bilal Aslam, who are implicated in abuse and blackmail.
    • International human rights organisations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN Human Rights Council, pressure Pakistan to end these practices and protect LGBTQ+ citizens.
    • Global allies amplify these stories so that silence does not continue to shield perpetrators.

    References & Reports

    The targeting of Pakistan’s gay community by security agencies is not just harassment—it is state-enabled violence. Every story we receive is a reminder of the urgent need for change.

    To our community: stay safe, stay strong, and know that you are not alone. To the world: do not look away.

  • Psychological Clinics as Tools of Repression: The Case of Preetum Giani and the Silencing of Gay Voices in Pakistan

    Psychological Clinics as Tools of Repression: The Case of Preetum Giani and the Silencing of Gay Voices in Pakistan

    When Mental Health Becomes a Weapon

    In Pakistan, where same-sex relationships remain criminalised under Section 377 of the Penal Code, the state and segments of society continue to treat homosexuality not as a natural human variation but as a “disease” to be “cured.” This dangerous belief fuels the use of conversion therapy , a discredited and harmful practice condemned by every major global psychiatric and medical body.

    Instead of offering evidence-based mental health care, some psychiatric institutions in Pakistan have become tools of repression, used to silence and punish individuals for their sexual orientation. Reports received by Pride Pakistan indicate that electric shocks, forced medication, prolonged isolation, and psychological abuse are still being used under the guise of “treatment.”

    The Case of Preetum Giani: 500 Days in Detention for Demanding Equality

    In May 2024, Preetum Giani, a 75-year-old human rights advocate, submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner of Abbottabad to open the Lorenzo Gay Club, a safe, non-sexual social space for the LGBTQ+ community.

    The next day, on 9 May 2024, Giani was reportedly abducted by individuals linked to security agencies and transferred to the Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Disease in Peshawar. Friends and supporters have been denied access to him, and his current condition remains unknown.

    This is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader pattern where mental health facilities are misused as detention centres for LGBTQ+ individuals, often at the request of families or under state orders. The aim is not treatment, it is erasure.

    ⚠️ Conversion Therapy in Pakistan: A Hidden Crisis

    • No legal ban: Pakistan has no laws prohibiting conversion therapy.
    • Widespread abuse: Reports document the use of aversion techniques, including electric shocks, forced medication, and religious indoctrination.
    • Family complicity: Many victims are admitted to clinics by their own relatives, often under pressure from community or religious leaders.
    • State involvement: In some cases, as with Giani, state actors directly facilitate or order such detentions.

    These practices are scientifically baseless and have been shown to cause severe trauma, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

    📢 International Standards and Pakistan’s Obligations

    The United Nations, World Health Organization, and Amnesty International have all declared that sexual orientation is not a disorder and that conversion therapy constitutes torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

    Pakistan is a signatory to multiple international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees freedom from arbitrary detention and protection from torture. The continued detention of Preetum Giani and others like him is a clear violation of these obligations.

    ✊ Our Demands

    Pride Pakistan calls on:

    1. The Government of Pakistan to:
      • Immediately release Preetum Giani from psychiatric detention.
      • Ban all forms of conversion therapy and criminalise its practice.
      • Ensure mental health facilities operate under strict human rights oversight.
    2. The United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other global bodies to:
      • Publicly condemn the detention of Giani.
      • Demand Pakistan’s compliance with international human rights standards.
      • Monitor and report on the misuse of psychiatric institutions against LGBTQ+ individuals.
    3. The International Medical Community to:
      • Suspend cooperation with Pakistani mental health institutions found to be complicit in conversion therapy or arbitrary detention.
      • Offer asylum and medical support to survivors.

    References & Further Reading

    🔴 Final Word

    Preetum Giani’s case is a stark reminder that in Pakistan, being openly gay can mean losing your freedom, your dignity, and your safety. As we approach 500 days of his detention, silence is complicity.

    We urge every ally, activist, and organisation to raise their voice. Share his story. Demand his release. And stand against the weaponisation of mental health care to erase LGBTQ+ lives.

  • Silencing Dissent: The Use of Psychological Clinics to Torture and Erase Gay Individuals in Pakistan

    Silencing Dissent: The Use of Psychological Clinics to Torture and Erase Gay Individuals in Pakistan

    In Pakistan, where homosexuality is criminalized under colonial-era laws, a disturbing and pervasive form of abuse is being used to silence and “correct” LGBTQ+ individuals: the forced institutionalization and abuse within psychological and mental health clinics. This practice, often referred to as “conversion therapy,” is a pseudoscientific and dangerous method that is widely condemned by medical and human rights organizations worldwide. It is a systematic violation of human rights, perpetrated against a vulnerable population with the complicit or direct involvement of state authorities and family members.

    The Myth of “Conversion”

    Conversion therapy is built on the false and debunked premise that homosexuality is a mental illness or a defect that can be “cured.” All major medical and psychological associations, including the American Psychological Association and the World Psychiatric Association, have stated that homosexuality is a natural and normal variation of human sexuality. They have concluded that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but is also deeply harmful, leading to severe psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

    Despite this global scientific consensus, these practices persist in Pakistan and other countries where homophobia is enshrined in law and social norms. In many cases, families, influenced by social stigma and religious ideology, commit their LGBTQ+ relatives to these clinics. State authorities may also directly intervene, using these institutions as a means of social control and punishment for those who dare to live openly. The institutions themselves often operate in a gray area, claiming to provide “treatment” for a non-existent disease, while subjecting individuals to barbaric and abusive practices.

    Torture and Abuse Behind Closed Doors

    The methods used in these clinics are not therapeutic; they are forms of torture. Survivors of conversion therapy have reported enduring physical and psychological torment. These practices can include:

    • Aversion Therapy: This includes the use of electric shocks and nausea-inducing drugs administered in conjunction with same-sex imagery. The goal is to create a painful association with same-sex attraction, conditioning the individual to feel aversion rather than desire.
    • Physical and Sexual Abuse: Some reports have documented physical beatings and sexual assault as a means of “punishment” for homosexual behavior.
    • Forced Confinement and Isolation: Individuals are often held against their will, cut off from their friends and support networks, and subjected to constant surveillance and manipulation.
    • Verbal and Psychological Abuse: Patients are frequently subjected to humiliation, verbal abuse, and religious indoctrination aimed at instilling shame and guilt about their identity.
    • Forced Medication: In some cases, individuals are forcibly given hormones or other medications in an attempt to “correct” their sexual orientation.

    These practices are not only a violation of the right to health and bodily autonomy but are also a direct breach of the prohibition against cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, which can, in severe cases, amount to torture under international law.

    Release Preetum Giani: A Demand to End Imprisonment for Being Gay in Pakistan

    The case of Preetum Giani is a stark example of the human rights violations and psychological abuse faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan. His detention, reportedly for the sole act of seeking to create a safe space for the gay community, is a grave injustice. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Preetum Giani and all other individuals unjustly detained for their sexual orientation or for speaking in support of gay rights. We urge the government of Pakistan to end the use of psychological clinics and other forms of “conversion therapy” as a tool for state-sanctioned torture and persecution. This is a call to action for the international community, including human rights organizations and the United Nations, to pressure the Pakistani authorities to uphold the fundamental human rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, and to end these inhumane practices.

    The Broader Human Rights Crisis

    The use of “conversion therapy” is a symptom of a much larger human rights crisis facing LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan. The Pakistani Penal Code, a remnant of British colonial rule, criminalizes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” with penalties of life imprisonment. This law creates a climate of fear and vulnerability, making LGBTQ+ people susceptible to harassment, extortion, and violence from both state and non-state actors.

    The lack of legal protections against discrimination, combined with widespread social and religious prejudice, means that LGBTQ+ individuals often have no recourse when they are abused by their families or the state. The case of an individual being detained in a mental health clinic after applying to open a gay club in Abbottabad highlights how state agencies and the medical establishment work in tandem to suppress and punish any form of LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy.

    International Response

    The international community has increasingly recognized and condemned conversion therapy as a grave human rights violation. The UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has called for a global ban on these practices, stating that they are “inherently discriminatory” and can amount to “torture and ill-treatment.” The UN Human Rights Council has also passed resolutions on the issue, urging states to take measures to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from violence and discrimination.

    Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and others have consistently documented abuses and advocated for the decriminalization of homosexuality and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. They have called on governments to enact legislation that bans conversion therapy and ensures that LGBTQ+ people are not subjected to abuse under the guise of medical treatment.

    The silence and inaction surrounding these abuses must end. It is imperative that the world takes notice of the suffering of LGBTQ+ individuals in Pakistan and other countries where such practices are used to enforce conformity and punish identity. The time for a comprehensive and coordinated global response is now.

  • Another Queer Life Targeted: The Arrest of Abdul Mughiz in Swabi and the Misuse of Morality Laws in KPK

    Another Queer Life Targeted: The Arrest of Abdul Mughiz in Swabi and the Misuse of Morality Laws in KPK

    By Pride Pakistan

    In yet another troubling example of state‑enabled harassment of queer Pakistanis, police in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have arrested Abdul Mughiz, a resident of Bamkhel, for nothing more than expressing himself through clothing on TikTok.

    According to police statements, Mughiz wore women’s clothing, posed for videos, and posted them online. Authorities claim these acts were “indecent” and “sparked public resentment”. He was charged under Section 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, a provision that criminalises “obscene acts” in public places , a vague and subjective law that has repeatedly been weaponised against LGBTQI individuals in Pakistan, particularly in KPK.

    📜 Section 294: A Tool for Suppression

    Section 294 PPC states:

    “Whoever, to the annoyance of others, does any obscene act in any public place… shall be punished with imprisonment… or with fine, or with both.”

    Human rights observers note that this law is often applied selectively, targeting transgender women, queer men, and Khawaja Sira communities for their gender expression, while similar acts by cisgender, heterosexual individuals are ignored.

    🚨 A Pattern of Persecution in KPK

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen repeated incidents of harassment, violence, and even killings of LGBTQI people:

    • Harassment & Arbitrary Arrests: Transgender women in Peshawar and Mardan have reported being detained under morality laws for wearing “inappropriate” clothing or performing at private events.
    • Targeted Killings: Activists have documented multiple murders of trans women in KPK over the past decade, often after threats from extremist groups. In many cases, perpetrators were never brought to justice.
    • Police Extortion: Reports indicate that police have used the threat of Section 294 charges to extort money or sexual favours from queer individuals, particularly those working as dancers or in informal economies.

    These abuses occur despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, which legally recognises gender identity and prohibits discrimination, a law whose protections are routinely undermined by societal prejudice and selective enforcement of morality provisions.

    🌈 Why Abdul Mughiz’s Case Matters

    Mughiz’s arrest is not an isolated incident , it is part of a systemic pattern where queer expression is criminalised under the guise of “public morality.” This policing of identity not only violates Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of equality but also fuels a climate of fear for LGBTQI people, especially in conservative regions like KPK.

    📢 Pride Pakistan’s Call to Action

    We demand:

    • An immediate review of Section 294 to prevent its misuse against marginalised communities.
    • Accountability for police harassment of LGBTQI individuals.
    • Public education campaigns to challenge prejudice and promote acceptance of gender diversity.

    📚 Further Reading & References

  • A Resounding Victory for LGBTQIA+ Rights: The UN Mandate Renewed!

    A Resounding Victory for LGBTQIA+ Rights: The UN Mandate Renewed!

    Today, we at PridePakistan.org are celebrating a truly momentous occasion that sends a powerful message of hope and determination across the globe. The United Nations Human Rights Council has officially renewed the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (IE SOGI) for another three years!

    This is a victory that cannot be overstated. The IE SOGI is the only position within the entire UN system solely dedicated to addressing the human rights of LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse people worldwide. Since its creation in 2016, this Independent Expert has been an absolutely vital voice for our communities – diligently documenting human rights violations, offering support to victims and survivors, engaging directly with governments, and providing crucial advice on international law and inclusive public policy.

    The importance of this renewal is underscored by the current global climate. As highlighted in the current Independent Expert’s 2024 report, LGBTQIA+ people around the world are facing intensifying waves of violence, disinformation, and political scapegoating. These threats are often fueled by well-coordinated anti-rights movements, making the continuation of this mandate crucial for sustaining international pressure, visibility, and accountability when our communities most urgently need protection.

    This incredible achievement was not a given; it was the result of an extraordinary, tireless campaign led by civil society. An astounding 1,259 non-governmental organizations from 157 countries and territories, including Pride Pakistan, stood united in defense of LGBTQIA+ rights. In past Pride Pakistan has visited the UN Human Rights office to submit a comprehensive report and data on behalf of Pride Pakistan. This significant contribution was made to the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in preparation for the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Our report addresses the critical issue of protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly in relation to forced displacement. This marks a pivotal step in amplifying the voices and experiences of the LGBTQI+ community in Pakistan on a global platform.

    Pride Pakistan’s Milestone Moment at the United Nations 🌈

    We are beyond thrilled to share that our founder, Ali Raza Khan, recently visited the UN Human Rights office to submit a comprehensive report and data on behalf of Pride Pakistan. This significant contribution was made to the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in preparation for the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Our report addresses the critical issue of protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly in relation to forced displacement. This marks a pivotal step in amplifying the voices and experiences of the LGBTQI+ community in Pakistan on a global platform. Ali Raza Khan’s dedication and unwavering commitment to human rights and equality continue to inspire us all. Let’s come together to support this incredible achievement and work towards a world free from discrimination and violence.

    This momentous renewal fills us with renewed resolve. At PridePakistan.org, we join LGBTQIA+ communities, civil society, and allies across the globe in celebrating this vital mandate, and we recommit to the shared struggle for safety, dignity, and equality for all. This is a powerful step forward, reminding us all that through solidarity and unwavering advocacy, we can and will continue to make progress towards a more just and inclusive world.

    آج، ہم پرایڈ پاکستان پر ایک واقعی اہم موقع کا جشن منا رہے ہیں جو دنیا بھر میں امید اور عزم کا ایک طاقتور پیغام بھیجتا ہے۔ اقوام متحدہ کی انسانی حقوق کونسل نے جنسی رجحان اور صنفی شناخت (IE SOGI) کی بنیاد پر تشدد اور امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف تحفظ کے لیے آزاد ماہر کے مینڈیٹ کی باضابطہ طور پر مزید تین سال کے لیے تجدید کر دی ہے!

    یہ ایک ایسی فتح ہے جسے بڑھا چڑھا کر پیش نہیں کیا جا سکتا۔ IE SOGI اقوام متحدہ کے پورے نظام میں واحد عہدہ ہے جو خصوصی طور پر دنیا بھر میں ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی+ اور صنفی طور پر متنوع افراد کے انسانی حقوق سے متعلق ہے۔ 2016 میں اپنے قیام کے بعد سے، یہ آزاد ماہر ہماری کمیونٹیز کے لیے ایک انتہائی اہم آواز رہا ہے – انسانی حقوق کی خلاف ورزیوں کی دستاویزات تیار کرتا ہے، متاثرین اور بچ جانے والوں کی مدد کرتا ہے، حکومتوں کے ساتھ مشغول ہوتا ہے، اور بین الاقوامی قانون اور جامع عوامی پالیسی پر اہم مشورے فراہم کرتا ہے۔

    اس تجدید کی اہمیت موجودہ عالمی صورتحال سے مزید اجاگر ہوتی ہے۔ جیسا کہ موجودہ آزاد ماہر کی 2024 کی رپورٹ میں نمایاں کیا گیا ہے، دنیا بھر میں ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی+ افراد تشدد، غلط معلومات، اور سیاسی قربانیوں کی بڑھتی ہوئی لہروں کا سامنا کر رہے ہیں۔ یہ خطرات اکثر مربوط مخالف حقوق کی تحریکوں سے پیدا ہوتے ہیں، جس سے ہمارے کمیونٹیز کو سب سے زیادہ تحفظ کی ضرورت کے وقت بین الاقوامی دباؤ، مرئیت، اور احتساب کو برقرار رکھنے کے لیے اس مینڈیٹ کا تسلسل انتہائی ضروری ہو جاتا ہے۔

    یہ ناقابل یقین کامیابی کوئی معمولی بات نہیں تھی؛ یہ سول سوسائٹی کی قیادت میں ایک غیر معمولی، انتھک مہم کا نتیجہ تھی۔ 157 ممالک اور علاقوں سے تعلق رکھنے والی 1,259 غیر سرکاری تنظیموں، بشمول پرائیڈ پاکستان، ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی+ حقوق کے دفاع میں متحد ہوئیں۔ ماضی میں پرائیڈ پاکستان نے اقوام متحدہ کے انسانی حقوق کے دفتر کا دورہ کیا تھا تاکہ پرائیڈ پاکستان کی جانب سے ایک جامع رپورٹ اور ڈیٹا جمع کرایا جا سکے۔ یہ اہم شراکت جنسی رجحان اور صنفی شناخت (SOGI) پر آزاد ماہر کو اقوام متحدہ کی انسانی حقوق کونسل کے 59ویں اجلاس کی تیاری میں پیش کی گئی۔ ہماری رپورٹ جنسی رجحان اور صنفی شناخت کی بنیاد پر تشدد اور امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف تحفظ کے اہم مسئلے کو حل کرتی ہے، خاص طور پر جبری نقل مکانی کے سلسلے میں۔ یہ پاکستان میں ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی+ کمیونٹی کی آوازوں اور تجربات کو عالمی سطح پر بلند کرنے میں ایک اہم قدم ہے۔

  • کراچی میں ایک سیاہ دن: پاکستان میں ہم جنس پرست مردوں کے خلاف تشدد کی اَن کہی وبا

    کراچی میں ایک سیاہ دن: پاکستان میں ہم جنس پرست مردوں کے خلاف تشدد کی اَن کہی وبا

    کراچی، 3 جولائی 2025 – آج، ہمارے دل ناقابلِ بیان غم اور شدید غصے سے بوجھل ہیں۔ ہمیں یہ افسوسناکپرست مردوں کے خلاف تشدد کی اَن کہی وبا

    کراچی، 3 جولائی 2025 – آج، ہمارے دل ناقابلِ بیان غم اور شدید غصے سے بوجھل ہیں۔ ہمیں یہ افسوسناک خبر ملی ہے کہ کراچی میں ایک نوجوان ہم جنس پرست شخص کو مبینہ طور پر اس کے اپنے والد نے بے دردی سے قتل کر دیا ہے۔ یہ خوفناک فعل پاکستان میں LGBTQ+ افراد کو درپیش خطرناک حقیقت کی ایک دل دہلا دینے والی، واضح یاد دہانی ہے، جہاں ایک کوئیر شخص کے طور پر موجود ہونا ہی موت کی سزا بن سکتا ہے۔

    ہمیں مزید یہ جان کر شدید تشویش ہے کہ اب تک خاندان یا پولیس کی جانب سے کوئی پہلی معلوماتی رپورٹ (FIR) بھی درج نہیں کی گئی ہے۔ کارروائی کا یہ چونکا دینے والا فقدان گہرے تعصب اور لاپرواہی کی نشاندہی کرتا ہے جو ایسے مظالم کو بغیر سزا کے، اور اکثر اوقات بغیر کسی ریکارڈ کے، جاری رکھنے کی اجازت دیتا ہے۔

    یہ کوئی علیحدہ واقعہ نہیں ہے۔ اس نوجوان کی کہانی، جس کی زندگی اتنی بے دردی سے چھین لی گئی، پاکستان بھر میں ان گنت ان کہی کہانیوں میں گونجتی ہے۔ کتنے اور کوئیر افراد تشدد، ہراسانی، اور یہاں تک کہ موت کا شکار ہوتے ہیں، ان کے کیس کبھی عوام کی نظروں میں نہیں آتے، کبھی سرکاری ریکارڈ کا حصہ نہیں بنتے؟ کتنے خاندان، “عزت” کے غلط تصورات اور سماجی دباؤ کے تحت، اپنے ہی پیاروں کو خاموش کر دیتے ہیں، ان کے وجود کو ہر رجسٹر سے مٹا دیتے ہیں؟

    پاکستان میں، نوآبادیاتی دور کے قوانین کے تحت ہم جنس پرستی اب بھی جرم ہے۔ اگرچہ ان قوانین کے تحت سزائیں شاذ و نادر ہی دی جاتی ہیں، لیکن یہ سماجی امتیازی سلوک، بھتہ خوری، اور تشدد کی قانونی بنیاد فراہم کرتے ہیں۔ شرعی قوانین، اگرچہ اعلیٰ ثبوت کی ضروریات کی وجہ سے سزائے موت شاذ و نادر ہی نافذ کی جاتی ہے، خوف کا ایک لمبا سایہ ڈالتے ہیں۔

    قانونی ڈھانچے سے ہٹ کر، قدامت پسند مذہبی اور سماجی اصولوں سے تقویت یافتہ ہم جنس پرستی کی وسیع پیمانے پر پھیلی ہوئی ثقافت ایک ایسا ماحول پیدا کرتی ہے جہاں LGBTQ+ افراد کے خلاف تشدد کو نہ صرف برداشت کیا جاتا ہے بلکہ اکثر اس کا جواز بھی پیش کیا جاتا ہے۔ “غیرت کے نام پر” قتل، جبری ہم جنس شادی، اصلاحی ریپ، اور شدید سماجی بائیکاٹ بھیانک حقیقتیں ہیں۔ بہت سے کوئیر افراد مسلسل خوف میں زندگی گزارنے پر مجبور ہیں، اپنی شناخت اپنے قریبی رشتہ داروں سے بھی چھپاتے ہیں، ان کی زندگیاں خود کو بچانے اور اپنی اصلیت کی آرزو کے درمیان ایک مسلسل رسی پر چلنے کے مترادف ہیں۔

    ایسے معاملات میں FIR درج کرنے میں قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں کی ناکامی – یا ان جرائم کی اصل نوعیت کو تسلیم کرنے میں بھی ناکامی – انصاف کے لیے ایک تباہ کن دھچکا ہے۔ یہ نہ صرف متاثرین اور ان کے خاندانوں کو قانونی چارہ جوئی کے حق سے محروم کرتا ہے بلکہ استثنیٰ کے ایک چکر کو بھی جاری رکھتا ہے جو مجرموں کو مزید حوصلہ دیتا ہے۔ سرکاری شناخت کے بغیر، پاکستان میں LGBTQ+ لوگوں کے خلاف تشدد کا اصل پیمانہ پوشیدہ رہتا ہے، جس سے انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں کے لیے تبدیلی کی وکالت کرنا اور ضرورت مندوں کو مدد فراہم کرنا مزید مشکل ہو جاتا ہے۔

    PridePakistan.org اس گھناؤنے فعل کی سخت ترین الفاظ میں مذمت کرتا ہے۔ ہم اس نوجوان کی جان کے ضیاع پر سوگوار ہیں اور پاکستان میں تمام LGBTQ+ افراد کے ساتھ اظہار یکجہتی کرتے ہیں جو خوف اور تشدد کے سائے میں جی رہے ہیں۔ ہم حکام سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ وہ فوری طور پر اس معاملے میں FIR درج کریں اور ایک جامع اور شفاف تحقیقات کو یقینی بنائیں، جس سے مجرموں کو انصاف کے کٹہرے میں لایا جائے۔ ہم سول سوسائٹی، میڈیا، اور بین الاقوامی انسانی حقوق کے اداروں پر زور دیتے ہیں کہ وہ ان خاموش المیوں پر روشنی ڈالیں اور جوابدہی کا مطالبہ کریں۔

    خاموشی کا وقت ختم ہو چکا ہے۔ ہمیں آواز اٹھانی ہوگی، ان سنی آوازوں کو بلند کرنا ہوگا، اور ایک ایسے پاکستان کے لیے لڑتے رہنا ہوگا جہاں ہر فرد، اپنی جنسی رجحان یا صنفی شناخت سے قطع نظر، وقار، سلامتی، اور آزادی کے ساتھ زندگی گزار سکے۔ ہمارا اجتماعی ضمیر اس سے کم کسی چیز کا مطالبہ نہیں کرتا۔

    Sources:

    Father kills son over friendship with transgender persons

    https://thecurrent.pk/remorseless-father-kills-son-for-befriending-transgender-community

    https://gnnhd.tv/news/48588/father-murders-son-over-association-with-transgender-individuals-in-karachi