Finding safe shelter in Pakistan as an LGBTQI person is hard. There is currently no dedicated, funded shelter system for gay men and queer people, and mainstream services can be unsafe or inaccessible. PridePakistan.org is a volunteer-led team without direct funding; we cannot provide shelter or temporary housing ourselves. We focus on connecting you to information, peer support, and publicly available services that may offer short-term safety.

Many transgender-focused initiatives exist and, when in immediate danger, some LGBTQI people may seek short-term refuge in those spaces without disclosing sexual orientation. Use caution and share only what’s necessary for your safety

Reality check: There is no dedicated gay shelter network in Pakistan; services are extremely limited and uneven across cities .

Safety notes before you go

• Share minimally: If you seek refuge in transgender-focused spaces, avoid disclosing sexual orientation unless strictly necessary. Focus on immediate needs (safety, food, sleep).
• Document incidents: If fleeing violence (family or partner), write down dates, locations, and witnesses. Keep photos or messages secure and backed up offline.
• Plan exits: Identify two exit routes and a trusted contact who knows your whereabouts. Avoid carrying items that could expose LGBTQI identity in hostile settings.
• Use neutral language: When asked about circumstances, say you are “fleeing domestic/family conflict or threats” rather than specifying LGBTQI unless safe.

Trans-led and general shelter leads

These are starting points. Availability changes quickly; call or message first, and use caution when approaching any facility.

Islamabad

• Transgender Shelter Home (TRCP): Lists free accommodation, food, legal aid, psychological counseling, and medical facilities; capacity around 15. Confirm location and intake process transpk.org.
• Khawaja Sira Shelter Home & Community Centre (TRCP): Similar services and empowerment programs; contact to verify access and current address transpk.org.
• Tahaffuz Darsgah (Islamabad expansion): Media reports indicate a transgender welfare shelter launching in Islamabad, in partnership with Islamabad Police and UKCAB. Seek updated contacts via UKCAB/Tahaffuz pages and local media dawn.com.
• Tahaffuz Darsgah main site: Contact page and landline listed; inquire about Islamabad branch timelines and referrals tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pk.
  • Contact: 042-99250788; info@tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pk tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pk.

Lahore

• Tahaffuz Darsgah (Lahore campus, shelter + education): First transgender (Khawaja Sira) shelter/education center; offers boarding, food, and wellbeing support. Call first to confirm eligibility and capacity tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pkzahidbhatti.com.
  • Contact: 042-99250788; info@tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pk tahaffuzdarsgah.edu.pk.
  • More info: Project details and media coverage zahidbhatti.com.
• Old-age home for trans community (reported): Media reports on trans-focused facilities in Lahore; check local social welfare updates for current status pridepakistan.org.

Karachi

• Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA): Community-led organization; can advise on emergency options and referrals in Karachi. Use caution and verify current services ngobase.orgrightsinexile.org.
  • Directory listing (NGO Base): GIA appears in Karachi LGBT rights/welfare NGOs ngobase.org.
• Sub Rang Society: Listed in Karachi as working on LGBT rights and welfare; contact to verify services/referrals ngobase.org.

Peshawar

• Transgender protection centre (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Welfare Department): Reports indicate a protection centre providing shelter and food for trans persons; inquire locally about current access and criteria The Nation.

Rawalpindi

• Saba Homes (orphan/shelter services): General shelter services for vulnerable groups listed in directories; limited suitability, but might provide referrals in emergencies ngobase.org.

Faisalabad

• Edhi Centre (general emergency shelter): Edhi centres often provide short-term refuge; call the local centre first to check policies and safety Lookup.pk.

Multan

• Tahaffuz Markaz (services trend report): Academic analysis highlights service support for transgender complainants; contact district Social Welfare for current shelter options and referrals advancelrf.org.
• General tips: Seek neutral, general shelters for immediate overnight safety; disclose minimally.

Bahawalpur

• Daykh Bhal Development Organization (shelter homes): Listed as working on shelter and homelessness; verify inclusivity and safety before approaching ngobase.org.

Hyderabad (Sindh)

• Local welfare and community centres: No verified LGBTQI shelters; ask trusted community groups for safe contacts. Be cautious of online claims. No direct source.

Sukkur

• Local general shelters: Use district Social Welfare office listings to locate any short-term accommodation; confirm in advance. No direct source.

Quetta

• Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal facilities: Directory listings show general shelters; approach with caution and minimal disclosure Lookup.pk.

Gilgit

• NGO directories: No verified LGBTQI shelters; ask trusted community groups for safe contacts. Be cautious of online claims. No direct source. Vulnerable groups NGO lists may help locate general shelters or referrals; availability varies ngobase.org.

Many entries come from NGO directories and media reports; always confirm current status, capacity, and safety before travel or disclosure ngobase.org Lookup.pk ngobase.org dawn.com.

What PridePakistan.org can do

• Peer support: Members can join PridePakistan.org’s peer support group for community and guidance. Fill out our membership form to access moderated spaces and updates pridepakistan.org.
• Information and referrals: We share reliable information from public sources and connect you to community-led support. We cannot fund housing or provide physical shelter pridepakistan.org.

Using shelters safely

• Approach discreetly: Dress neutrally; avoid carrying items that could out you. Use a cover story focused on safety (domestic conflict, threats).
• Go with a buddy: If possible, travel with a trusted friend. Share your live location with someone you trust.
• Limit personal data: Provide only required ID. Avoid signing documents you don’t understand.
• Exit plan: Know how to leave if you feel unsafe; keep emergency cash separate.

Important disclaimer

• PridePakistan.org is a volunteer-led platform and does not operate shelters or provide direct housing support. We curate information to help you find safer options and peer support. Always verify the safety, capacity, and policies of any shelter before sharing sensitive information pridepakistan.org.