Pride Pakistan

Tag: Gay Muslim

  • 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.

  • ذہنی صحت کی معاونت پرائیڈ پاکستان

    ذہنی صحت کی معاونت پرائیڈ پاکستان

    ہم آپ کا درد سنتے ہیں۔
    ہر وہ پیغام جو ہمیں ملتا ہے، جس میں ناقابلِ برداشت نفسیاتی دباؤ، خاندان کی عزت کا خوف، جبری شادیوں اور الماری میں چھپ کر جینے کے گہرے جذباتی اثرات کا ذکر ہوتا ہے، ہمارے دل توڑ دیتا ہے۔ ہم جانتے ہیں کہ ہر پیغام کے پیچھے بے پناہ حوصلے اور خاموش اذیت کی ایک کہانی ہے۔ ہم اس مایوسی کو سمجھتے ہیں جو خودکشی کے خیالات تک لے جاتی ہے اور اس تلخ حقیقت کو بھی کہ ہمارے بہت سے ساتھی اس جنگ میں اپنی جان گنوا بیٹھے ہیں۔

    پرائیڈ پاکستان میں ہم چاہتے ہیں کہ آپ جانیں: آپ اکیلے نہیں ہیں۔
    آپ کی شناخت کوئی بیماری نہیں۔ آپ کے احساسات درست ہیں۔

    اگرچہ ہمارے پاس مفت، پیشہ ورانہ نفسیاتی خدمات فراہم کرنے کے وسائل نہیں، ہم آپ کو یہ علم اور اوزار ضرور دے سکتے ہیں کہ آپ اپنی مدد محفوظ اور رازدارانہ طریقے سے حاصل کر سکیں۔ یہ صفحہ پاکستان اور دنیا بھر میں ذہنی صحت کی معاونت تلاش کرنے کے لیے ایک رہنما ہے، جس میں آپ کی حفاظت اور بھلائی کو اولین ترجیح دی گئی ہے۔

    پاکستان میں ذہنی صحت کی دیکھ بھال کا سفر

    ہم جانتے ہیں کہ پاکستان میں ایک معاون ذہنی صحت کے ماہر کو تلاش کرنا مشکل ہو سکتا ہے۔ جج کیے جانے کا خوف، مذہبی لیکچر سننے کا خطرہ، یا آپ کی شناخت کو “بیماری” قرار دینا , یہ سب حقیقی اور خوفناک رکاوٹیں ہیں۔

    مدد لیتے وقت آپ کی پہلی ترجیح آپ کی حفاظت اور رازداری ہونی چاہیے۔ ہم مشورہ دیتے ہیں کہ ماہرِ نفسیات سے بات کرتے وقت اپنی علامات اور ذہنی کیفیت پر توجہ دیں، اپنی جنسی رجحان یا صنفی شناخت فوراً ظاہر کرنے کی ضرورت نہیں۔ آپ اپنی زندگی کے ماہر ہیں۔ آپ کو یہ حق ہے کہ آپ اپنی ذہنی صحت کے مسائل — چاہے وہ اضطراب، ڈپریشن، دباؤ یا صدمہ ہوں — کے لیے مدد لیں، بغیر یہ وضاحت دیے کہ آپ کون ہیں۔

    پیشہ ورانہ اخلاقیات دیکھیں: ایسے ماہرین تلاش کریں جو معتبر نفسیاتی اداروں کے رکن ہوں۔
    علامات پر توجہ دیں، شناخت پر نہیں: مثال کے طور پر، “میں ہم جنس پرست ہوں اس لیے افسردہ ہوں” کے بجائے کہیں “میں شدید افسردگی اور اضطراب کا شکار ہوں، خاندان اور معاشرے کے دباؤ سے نمٹنا مشکل ہو رہا ہے۔”
    اعتماد آہستہ آہستہ قائم کریں: اگر ماہر ہمدرد اور معاون ہو تو آپ بعد میں اپنی شناخت بتا سکتے ہیں، لیکن یہ آپ پر لازم نہیں۔

    پاکستان میں دستیاب ذہنی صحت کی خدمات

    سرکاری و تعلیمی ادارے

    • ہمراز ۱۱۶۶: سرکاری ایپ اور ہیلپ لائن، مفت رہنمائی اور ریفرل۔
    • نیشنل انسٹیٹیوٹ آف سائیکالوجی کونسلنگ: کم لاگت یا سلائیڈنگ فیس، آن لائن یا بالمشافہ۔
    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Humraaz 1166 Government app and helplineCall 1166 or mobile appMental health support referral, guidanceFreeGovernment-backed; can request mental health help without disclosing identity details.
    National Institute of Psychology (NIP) Counsellinghttps://nip.edu.pk/counselling/Counselling via university services (online/in-person)Low/variesAcademic setting; ask about availability, sliding-scale fees, and privacy.

    نجی پلیٹ فارمز و ڈائریکٹریز

    • صحت کہانی: آن لائن ڈاکٹرز اور ماہرینِ نفسیات سے ویڈیو مشاورت۔
    • مارہم، صحت یاب، آپ کا معالج، رہبرُو، پاک ایم ایچ، تھراپی منترہ: مختلف فیس اور سہولیات، آن لائن سیشنز کا آپشن۔
    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Find a Helpline Pakistanhttps://findahelpline.com/countries/pkCrisis helpline directory phone/chatFree to accessAggregates verified hotlines and chats; pick what feels safest.
    Marhamhttps://www.marham.pk/doctors/psychologistBook psychologists/psychiatristsPaid; provider-setFilter by online sessions; ask for symptom-focused care.
    SehatYabhttps://www.sehatyab.com/Online therapy and psychiatryPaid; provider-setCompare fees, languages, and availability.
    ApkaMuaalijhttps://www.apkamuaalij.com/Mental health providersPaid; provider-setCheck reviews and request video sessions.
    Ruhbaruhttps://www.ruhbaru.com/Online counsellingPaid; provider-setAsk about sliding-scale or package discounts.
    PakMH Service providershttps://pakmh.com/service-providers/Pakistan mental health directoryVariesDirectory listing; verify credentials and fees directly.
    TherapyMantra Therapistshttps://therapists.therapymantra.coGlobal/PK therapist matching (online)Paid; plans varyAsk for nonjudgmental, evidence-based care; book trial calls if offered.

    تنظیمیں و این جی اوز

    • تسکین ہیلپ لائن: مفت یا کم لاگت، فون یا واٹس ایپ کے ذریعے۔
    • ڈان فیچرڈ فہرست: مختلف معاونت فراہم کرنے والے اداروں کی فہرست۔
    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Taskeen Mental health helplinehttps://taskeen.org/program/mental-health-helpline/Helpline, psychoeducation, referralsOften free/lowCheck site for current contact method (phone/WhatsApp/hours).
    Dawn featuredhttps://images.dawn.com/news/1185033Article listing mental health supportsFreeUse as a starting point; verify each provider.

    عالمی آن لائن ذرائع (ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی اے دوستانہ)

    • ایل جی بی ٹی نیشنل ہیلپ سینٹر: مفت ہاٹ لائن اور چیٹ۔
    • ایل جی بی ٹی آئی کیو ہیلپ لائن: فون، چیٹ، ای میل کے ذریعے مشورہ۔
    • ایچ آر سی وسائل: ذہنی صحت کے لیے فہرستیں اور رہنمائی۔
    • گے ایشینز ریسورسز: جنوبی ایشیائی ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی وسائل۔
    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    LGBT National Help Centerhttps://lgbthotline.org/Peer support hotlines and chatsFreeHotline availability posted on site; includes youth/senior lines.
    LGBTIQ Helplinehttps://www.lgbtiq-helpline.ch/enPeer advice by chat/email; phone lineFreePhone: 0800 133 133; English support via email/chat.
    HRC Mental health resourceshttps://www.hrc.org/resources/mental-health-resources-in-the-lgbtq-communityCurated hotlines and supportsFreeUS-focused but useful lists and coping guidance.
    Gaysians Resourceshttps://www.gaysians.org/resourcesCurated South Asian LGBTQIA resourcesFreeMix of urgent and non-urgent supports.

    کم بجٹ میں علاج کے طریقے

    • سلائیڈنگ فیس کا مطالبہ کریں۔
    • ٹیلی ہیلتھ کو ترجیح دیں۔
    • قلیل مدتی، مہارت پر مبنی تھراپی لیں۔
    • ادویات کے لیے ماہرِ نفسیات سے مشورہ کریں، سستی جنیرک ادویات پر غور کریں۔

    اگر آپ کو امتیاز یا “کنورژن تھراپی” کا سامنا ہو

    • کوئی بھی آپ کو شرمندہ کرنے یا مذہبی لیکچر دینے کا حق نہیں رکھتا۔
    • واضح کریں: “میں یہاں ذہنی صحت کے علاج کے لیے آیا ہوں، مذہبی مشورے کے لیے نہیں۔”
    • ریفرل مانگیں، تفصیلات نوٹ کریں، اور رپورٹ کریں۔

    فوری سکون کے عملی طریقے

    • سانس کی مشق: چار سیکنڈ سانس لیں، چار سیکنڈ روکیں، چھ سیکنڈ چھوڑیں، پانچ بار دہرائیں۔
    • درجہ حرارت بدلیں: ٹھنڈے پانی سے منہ دھوئیں۔
    • پانچ چیزوں کا نام لیں: پانچ دیکھیں، چار محسوس کریں، تین سنیں، دو سونگھیں، ایک چکھیں۔
    • فیصلہ مؤخر کریں: کسی نقصان دہ عمل سے پہلے ۲۴ گھنٹے انتظار کریں اور کسی مددگار سے رابطہ کریں۔
    • سیفٹی پلان: تین انتباہی نشانیاں، تین مقابلہ کرنے کے اقدامات، اور تین رابطے لکھیں۔

    آپ محبت، احترام اور خوف سے آزاد زندگی کے حقدار ہیں۔

  • 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

  • Being Positive An Instagram Live Conversation by Rang & Pride Pakistan

    Being Positive An Instagram Live Conversation by Rang & Pride Pakistan

    On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Pride Pakistan and Rang are coming together for a powerful and heartfelt Instagram Live session titled “Being Positive.” This cross-border collaboration will bring together voices from Pakistan and beyond to share lived experiences, challenge stigma, and celebrate resilience within the Hum Jins (LGBTQI) community.

    About the Event

    “Being Positive” is more than just a conversation, it’s a space for truth, empathy, and solidarity. The session will explore what it means to live authentically while navigating personal and societal challenges, with a focus on HIV awareness, mental health, and intersectional identities.

    Meet the Speakers

    From Rang: Ritash A 52 year old neuroqueer, gender-fluid ACE individual with invisibilized disabilities and chronic illnesses. Ritash has journeyed from writing and testing software to chronicling the stories of people and places. They are an LGBTIQAP+ peer counsellor, gender and intersectionality trainer, and research advisor, bringing a wealth of lived experience and professional insight.

    From Pride Pakistan: Ali Raza Khan An HIV positive gay activist from Pakistan, Ali has been a steadfast voice for the Hum Jins community, advocating for visibility, acceptance, and the dismantling of stigma surrounding HIV and queer identities.

    When & Where

    📅 Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM Pakistan Time | 8:30 PM India Time 📍 Platform: Instagram Live Follow @rang.org2020 and @PridePak to join the session.

    Why You Should Join

    This live session is an opportunity to:

    • Hear personal stories of resilience and hope.
    • Learn about HIV realities and the importance of breaking stigma.
    • Connect with a supportive, inclusive community across borders.

    Whether you are part of the Hum Jins community, an ally, or simply someone who believes in equality and compassion, your presence matters. Together, we can create a world where every identity is celebrated and every voice is heard.

    More on Event Page : Instagram Live : Being Positive Rang & Pride Pakistan – Pride Pakistan

    More on Rang Website: TheRang.org

  • Instagram Live : Being Positive Rang & Pride Pakistan

    🌈 Being Positive – Join us LIVE this Sunday! Rang & Pride Pakistan come together for an empowering cross-border conversation on resilience, HIV awareness, and living authentically. Your voice matters, be part of the dialogue! 💬✨ 📅 Sunday, 7 Sept 2025 | 8 PM PKT | 8:30 PM IST 📍 Instagram Live : @rang.org2020 & @PridePak

    Read more in blog: Being Positive An Instagram Live Conversation by Rang & Pride Pakistan – Pride Pakistan

    Read more on Instagram Page: Instagram @PridePak

  • Mental Health Support

    Mental Health Support

    We hear your pain. Every message we receive about the unbearable psychological pressure, the fear of family honor, the forced marriages, and the deep emotional toll of living in the closet, breaks our hearts. We know that behind every message is a story of immense courage and silent suffering. We understand the despair that leads to thoughts of suicide and the tragic reality that too many of our community members have been lost to this battle.

    At PridePakistan.org, we want you to know you are not alone. Your identity is not a disease. Your feelings are valid.

    While our organization does not have the funds to provide free, professional psychological services, what we can do is empower you with the knowledge and tools to seek the help you need, safely and discreetly. This page is a guide to finding mental health support, both in Pakistan and globally, with a focus on your well-being and security.

    Navigating Mental Health Care in Pakistan

    We know that finding a supportive mental health professional in Pakistan can be a challenge. The fear of being judged, facing religious sermons, or being told that your identity is a “disease” is a very real and terrifying barrier. We have heard your stories, and we acknowledge the deep wounds caused by such encounters.

    When seeking help in Pakistan, your first priority is your safety and privacy.

    We advise you to approach mental health professionals with a focus on your symptoms and well-being, without necessarily disclosing your sexual orientation or gender identity upfront. You are the expert on your own life. You have the right to seek help for the mental health issues you’re facing—be it anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma—without having to justify or explain who you are.

    Check for Professional Ethics: Look for professionals who are registered with reputable psychological associations. They are bound by professional ethics that prioritize patient care over personal beliefs.

    Focus on Symptoms, Not Identity: Instead of saying, “I am depressed because I am gay,” you can say, “I am struggling with deep depression and anxiety. I feel immense pressure from my family and society, and it’s making it hard to function.”

    Build Trust Gradually: If you find a professional who is supportive and empathetic, you may choose to reveal more of your identity later, but you are never obligated to do so. Your mental health is the priority.

    Pakistan-based mental health services

    Below are options grouped by government, private platforms/directories, and associations/NGOs. We’ve highlighted how to access them, what they offer, and general cost notes. Verify current fees and hours on the official pages.

    Government and academic services in Pakistan

    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Humraaz 1166 Government app and helplineCall 1166 or mobile appMental health support referral, guidanceFreeGovernment-backed; can request mental health help without disclosing identity details.
    National Institute of Psychology (NIP) Counsellinghttps://nip.edu.pk/counselling/Counselling via university services (online/in-person)Low/variesAcademic setting; ask about availability, sliding-scale fees, and privacy.

    Private platforms and directories in Pakistan

    Sehat Kahani (Online Doctors): While not exclusively for mental health, this platform connects patients with doctors, including psychologists, via video consultations.

    • Services: Online consultations, with the option to speak to a psychiatrist.
    • Contact: https://sehatkahani.com/
    • Charges: Varies based on the doctor.
    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Find a Helpline Pakistanhttps://findahelpline.com/countries/pkCrisis helpline directory phone/chatFree to accessAggregates verified hotlines and chats; pick what feels safest.
    Marhamhttps://www.marham.pk/doctors/psychologistBook psychologists/psychiatristsPaid; provider-setFilter by online sessions; ask for symptom-focused care.
    SehatYabhttps://www.sehatyab.com/Online therapy and psychiatryPaid; provider-setCompare fees, languages, and availability.
    ApkaMuaalijhttps://www.apkamuaalij.com/Mental health providersPaid; provider-setCheck reviews and request video sessions.
    Ruhbaruhttps://www.ruhbaru.com/Online counsellingPaid; provider-setAsk about sliding-scale or package discounts.
    PakMH Service providershttps://pakmh.com/service-providers/Pakistan mental health directoryVariesDirectory listing; verify credentials and fees directly.
    TherapyMantra Therapistshttps://therapists.therapymantra.coGlobal/PK therapist matching (online)Paid; plans varyAsk for nonjudgmental, evidence-based care; book trial calls if offered.

    Associations and NGOs in Pakistan or serving Pakistan online

    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    Taskeen Mental health helplinehttps://taskeen.org/program/mental-health-helpline/Helpline, psychoeducation, referralsOften free/lowCheck site for current contact method (phone/WhatsApp/hours).
    Dawn featuredhttps://images.dawn.com/news/1185033Article listing mental health supportsFreeUse as a starting point; verify each provider.

    Global LGBTQIA-friendly online resources

    These can be accessed from Pakistan subject to connectivity. If speaking with LGBTQIA-informed peers feels safer, consider these. If you prefer not to disclose identity, you can still describe symptoms and stress.

    Service/platformAccessServicesTypical costNotes
    LGBT National Help Centerhttps://lgbthotline.org/Peer support hotlines and chatsFreeHotline availability posted on site; includes youth/senior lines.
    LGBTIQ Helplinehttps://www.lgbtiq-helpline.ch/enPeer advice by chat/email; phone lineFreePhone: 0800 133 133; English support via email/chat.
    HRC Mental health resourceshttps://www.hrc.org/resources/mental-health-resources-in-the-lgbtq-communityCurated hotlines and supportsFreeUS-focused but useful lists and coping guidance.
    Gaysians Resourceshttps://www.gaysians.org/resourcesCurated South Asian LGBTQIA resourcesFreeMix of urgent and non-urgent supports.

    Paying for care when funds are limited

    • Ask for sliding-scale fees: Many private clinicians reduce fees based on need.
    • Prefer telehealth: Often cheaper than in-person and safer for privacy.
    • Short-term, skills-focused therapy: Request CBT/DBT tools for immediate coping over fewer sessions.
    • Medication consults: A psychiatrist can discuss options; ask about generics and follow-up spacing to reduce cost.

    If you face discrimination or “conversion” attempts

    No one has the right to shame you, preach at you, or deny evidence-based care. “Conversion therapy” is harmful and not a medical treatment. If a clinician discriminates, preachifies, or refuses proper care:

    • Set a boundary: “I’m here for mental health treatment, not religious counseling.”
    • Ask for referral: “Please refer me to a different clinician.”
    • Document details: Note date, time, name, what was said.
    • Report it: Share what happened so we can help track and act.

    Report discrimination here: Click Here

    Practical grounding if you’re overwhelmed right now

    • Breathing reset: Inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 6; repeat 5 times.
    • Temperature shift: Wash your face with cool water; it can reduce acute panic.
    • Name five things: 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
    • Delay the impulse: Commit to waiting 24 hours before taking any harmful action and connect with one resource above.
    • Safety plan: Write 3 warning signs, 3 coping actions, and 3 people/lines you can contact.

    You are worthy of care, respect, and a life without fear. If you want, tell me what would feel most helpful right now, a script to text a doctor, a shortlist of low-cost providers, or help drafting a safety plan.

    Report an Incident

    If you have used any of these services and faced discrimination or been refused help because of your identity, please let us know. We document these cases to fight for better protections for the LGBTQIA+ community in Pakistan.

    LINK TO REPORT DISCRIMINATION

    https://forms.gle/WoFG466RTBB44PXg9

  • When Celebration Becomes Criminalized: Another front for Pakistan’s LGBTQI Community

    When Celebration Becomes Criminalized: Another front for Pakistan’s LGBTQI Community

    By Pride Pakistan

    In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed a troubling surge in police crackdowns on private gatherings labeled as “vulgar parties.” These raids often targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and queer participants, are carried out under Sections 292, 292-A, and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, alongside Section 6 of the Sound System Act. While these laws ostensibly aim to curb public obscenity and noise pollution, they are increasingly weaponized against marginalized communities, especially gay community members.

    The Reality Behind the Headlines

    Lahore Viral Party Case (August 2025)

    A private gathering in Lahore went viral after fashion designer Maria B posted videos online, accusing attendees, many of whom were queer “immoral conduct.” Nearly 60 individuals were detained under obscenity and sound system laws. The court later dismissed the case due to lack of evidence and procedural violations, but the damage was already done, reputations tarnished, trauma inflicted, and fear instilled for all the queer and gay gatherings across Pakistan.

    🔗 Read full story

    Okara Mehndi Function Raid (2020)

    A queer person dancing at a wedding event was arrested along with others for violating sound system laws. The police registered cases against 20 individuals, citing “vulgarity” and “public nuisance.”

    🔗 Police report

    Jaranwala Clash & SOP Reform (2024)

    A dance party involving transgender persons turned violent when police attempted a raid. The clash led to injuries and arrests, prompting Punjab Police to issue new SOPs barring male officers from frisking transgender individuals.

    🔗 SOP announcement

    Karachi DHA Riots (2019)

    Twenty-one transgender persons were arrested for rioting and alleged drug use after a complaint about “streetwalking.” The incident escalated into vandalism and further arrests.

    🔗 Express Tribune coverage

    The Unspoken Truth: Gay Parties and Silent Raids

    While transgender individuals often bear the brunt of publicized raids, gay men and queer gatherings are also frequently targeted, just less visibly. These events, often held discreetly in private homes or rented venues, are raided under similar obscenity and sound system laws. Yet, due to the deep taboo surrounding homosexuality, these cases rarely make it to social media or news outlets.

    Victims are silenced by shame, fear of outing, and lack of legal recourse. Many are denied access to lawyers, and few dare to challenge the charges in court. The absence of public support and the risk of being disowned by families or employers forces most to quietly endure the trauma. Pride Pakistan have been reported of such hundreds of incidents across Pakistan where gay gathering were raided by police.

    Legal Landscape: No Protection, No Counsel

    Pakistan’s legal system offers no explicit protection for LGBTQI individuals. In fact, vague terms like “obscenity” and “immoral conduct” are routinely used to criminalize queer existence. Once arrested, victims face:

    • No legal safeguards against discrimination
    • No access to LGBTQI-friendly lawyers
    • No privacy in police custody
    • No media advocacy, as most outlets avoid covering queer-related arrests

    A Message to Our Community: Stay Safe and be Proud of your Identity

    We understand the need to celebrate, connect, and express your identity. But in today’s climate, caution is not cowardice, it’s survival. If you’re planning a gathering:

    ✅ Safety Checklist

    • Keep gatherings small and discreet
    • Avoid loud music or public visibility
    • Do not post videos or photos online
    • Vet your guest list carefully
    • Have emergency contacts and legal aid numbers ready
    • Know your rights, but also know the risks

    What Pride Pakistan Is Doing

    At Pride Pakistan, we are working to:

    • Build a network of LGBTQI-friendly advocates
    • Advocate for legal reform and anti-discrimination protections
    • Provide emergency support for individuals facing police harassment
    • Raise awareness through storytelling and documentation

    If you or someone you know has been affected by such incidents, please reach out to us confidentially or by filling this form. You are not alone.

    https://forms.gle/Cwe36ZQiidC4aKkY9

    🌈 Stay Safe and be proud of your identity.

    Pride Pakistan

  • اپنا راستہ تلاش کریں: پاکستان میں ہم جنس افراد افراد کے لیے روزگار کی معاونت

    اپنا راستہ تلاش کریں: پاکستان میں ہم جنس افراد افراد کے لیے روزگار کی معاونت

    پرائیڈ پاکستان کی جانب سے امید اور عملی رہنمائی کا پیغام

    پیارے دوستو،

    پرائیڈ پاکستان میں ہم پاکستان میں ہم جنس افراد افراد کی حیثیت سے آپ کو درپیش بے پناہ چیلنجوں کو سمجھتے ہیں، خاص طور پر مستحکم اور باوقار روزگار حاصل کرنے کے حوالے سے۔ ہم آپ کی مدد کی پکاروں، مالی آزادی کے لیے آپ کی جدوجہد، اور کام کی جگہوں پر آپ کو درپیش امتیازی سلوک اور ہراسانی کے گہرے درد کو سنتے ہیں۔

    یہ ہمارے لیے دل توڑنے والا ہے کہ ہم، ایک تنظیم کے طور پر، فوری نوکریاں یا براہ راست مالی امداد فراہم کرنے کے لیے وسیع مالی وسائل یا براہ راست کارپوریٹ روابط نہیں رکھتے۔ ہم تسلیم کرتے ہیں کہ آپ میں سے بہت سے لوگوں کو اپنی کوئیر شناخت کی وجہ سے پہلے ہی کافی بدنامی، تعصب، اور یہاں تک کہ سابقہ ملازمتوں سے بے دخلی کا سامنا کرنا پڑا ہے۔ ایسی مشکلات کے باوجود آپ کا لچک کا مظاہرہ واقعی متاثر کن ہے۔

    اگرچہ ہم آپ کو براہ راست نوکریوں پر نہیں رکھ سکتے، لیکن جو کچھ ہم کر سکتے ہیں وہ یہ ہے کہ آپ کو نوکری کے بازار میں زیادہ مؤثر اور محفوظ طریقے سے چلنے کے لیے علم اور حکمت عملیوں سے بااختیار بنائیں۔ یہ صفحہ پاکستان میں نوکریوں کے لیے درخواست دینے کے لیے عملی رہنمائی فراہم کرنے کے لیے وقف ہے، جس میں آپ کی شناخت کے تحفظ کی حکمت عملیوں کے ساتھ ساتھ عالمی پلیٹ فارمز کے بارے میں معلومات بھی شامل ہیں جو ہم جنس افراد شمولیت کی حمایت کرتے ہیں۔

    پاکستانی نوکری کے بازار میں کام یاب سفر: محفوظ درخواست کی حکمت عملی

    پاکستان میں حقیقت یہ ہے کہ جنسی رجحان کی بنیاد پر امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف واضح قانونی تحفظات بڑی حد تک غیر موجود ہیں۔ اگرچہ خواجہ سرا افراد (حقوق کا تحفظ) ایکٹ، 2018، خواجہ سرا اور بین الجنس افراد کے لیے کچھ تحفظات فراہم کرتا ہے، لیکن وسیع تر ہم جنس افراد کمیونٹی کے لیے عام امتیازی سلوک مخالف قوانین ابھی تک قائم نہیں ہوئے ہیں۔ یہ نوکری کی درخواستوں کے لیے ایک محتاط اور حکمت عملی پر مبنی نقطہ نظر کو ضروری بناتا ہے۔

    پاکستانی کارپوریٹ اور سرکاری نوکریوں کے لیے درخواست دینے کے لیے ہماری بنیادی نصیحت یہ ہے کہ آپ اپنی اہلیت، مہارتوں، اور تجربے پر مکمل توجہ دیں، اور درخواست یا ابتدائی انٹرویو کے عمل کے دوران اپنی کوئیر شناخت کا ذکر یا وضاحت نہ کریں۔

    اس پر عمل کرنے کا طریقہ یہ ہے:

    پیشہ ورانہ مہارت پر توجہ دیں: آپ کا ریزومے، کور لیٹر، اور انٹرویو کے جوابات آپ کی پیشہ ورانہ خوبیوں، کامیابیوں، اور آپ کس طرح آجر کی کامیابی میں حصہ ڈال سکتے ہیں، اسے اجاگر کریں۔

    رازداری برقرار رکھیں:

    ریزومے/سی وی: کوئی بھی ایسی معلومات شامل نہ کریں جو آپ کے جنسی رجحان یا صنفی شناخت کی طرف اشارہ کر سکتی ہو (جب تک کہ یہ کسی خاص کردار سے براہ راست متعلق نہ ہو، جو کہ نادر ہے، اور پھر بھی، احتیاط کی جاتی ہے)۔

    کور لیٹر: اپنے کور لیٹر کو سختی سے پیشہ ورانہ رکھیں، اور کردار کے لیے اپنی موزونیت کو حل کریں۔

    آن لائن موجودگی: اپنی عوامی سوشل میڈیا پروفائلز کا خیال رکھیں۔ اگرچہ ذاتی اظہار ضروری ہے، غور کریں کہ آپ کی عوامی آن لائن موجودگی کو ممکنہ آجر کیسے سمجھ سکتے ہیں۔ اگر آپ کے ایسے پروفائلز ہیں جو واضح طور پر آپ کی کوئیر شناخت سے منسلک ہیں، تو یقینی بنائیں کہ آپ کی پرائیویسی سیٹنگز مضبوط ہیں، یا اگر ممکن ہو تو ایک الگ پیشہ ورانہ آن لائن شخصیت رکھنے پر غور کریں۔

    انٹرویوز: اگر ایسے ذاتی سوالات پوچھے جائیں جو نوکری سے متعلق نہیں ہیں، تو آپ شائستگی سے یہ کہہ کر بات کو موڑ سکتے ہیں کہ آپ اپنی ذاتی زندگی کو اپنی پیشہ ورانہ زندگی سے الگ رکھنا پسند کرتے ہیں۔ کردار کے لیے اپنی مہارتوں اور جوش کو دہرانے پر توجہ دیں۔

    نیٹ ورکنگ (احتیاط سے): اگرچہ نیٹ ورکنگ بہت ضروری ہے، پاکستان میں پیشہ ورانہ حلقوں میں آپ کس کو اپنی شناخت ظاہر کرتے ہیں اس بارے میں محتاط رہیں۔ آہستہ آہستہ اعتماد پیدا کریں اور کھلنے سے پہلے ماحول کا اندازہ لگائیں۔

    کمپنی کلچر پر تحقیق (اگر ممکن ہو): اگرچہ پاکستان میں مشکل ہے، اگر آپ کے کوئی بالواسطہ رابطے ہیں یا آن لائن معلومات مل سکتی ہے، تو کسی کمپنی کے تنوع اور شمولیت کے بارے میں عمومی رویہ کا اندازہ لگانے کی کوشش کریں۔ تاہم، آگاہ رہیں کہ عوامی طور پر بیان کردہ پالیسیاں ہمیشہ کام کی جگہ کے اندر کے تجربے کی عکاسی نہیں کرتیں۔

    پاکستان میں سرکاری نوکریوں کے لنکس

    یہ کچھ سرکاری اور معتبر پلیٹ فارمز ہیں جہاں آپ پاکستان میں نوکریاں تلاش کر سکتے ہیں:

    سرکاری نوکریاں:

    ایسٹابلیشمنٹ ڈویژن (وفاقی سرکاری نوکریاں):

    National Jobs Portal Government Jobs online : https://www.njp.gov.pk/

    Federal Public Service Commission : https://www.fpsc.gov.pk/

    https://www.ajkpsc.gov.pk/home

    پنجاب پبلک سروس کمیشن (PPSC)، سندھ پبلک سروس کمیشن (SPSC)، بلوچستان پبلک سروس کمیشن (BPSC)، خیبر پختونخوا پبلک سروس کمیشن (KPPSC): ہر صوبے کا اپنا پبلک سروس کمیشن صوبائی سرکاری نوکریوں کے لیے ہوتا ہے۔ آپ کو ان کی انفرادی ویب سائٹس کو دیکھنا ہوگا۔

    Punjab Job Center : https://jobcenter.punjab.gov.pk/

    Sindh Public Service Commission : https://spsc.gos.pk/

    ::BPSC:: https://bpsc.gob.pk/BPSC/pages?jobs

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission : https://www.kppsc.gov.pk/

    ہائر ایجوکیشن کمیشن (HEC) کیریئر پورٹل: تعلیمی اور تحقیقی عہدوں کے لیے۔

    https://careers.hec.gov.pk/

    اوورسیز ایمپلائمنٹ کارپوریشن (OEC): حکومت کی حمایت یافتہ بیرون ملک ملازمت کے مواقع کے لیے۔

    https://jobs.oec.gov.pk/

    الیکشن کمیشن آف پاکستان (ECP) آن لائن ریکروٹمنٹ سسٹم:

    https://jobs.ecp.gov.pk/index.php

    کارپوریٹ اور پرائیویٹ سیکٹر کی نوکریاں:

    Rozee.pk: پاکستان کے سب سے بڑے جاب پورٹلز میں سے ایک۔

    https://hiring.rozee.pk/

    Bayt.com (پاکستان): مشرق وسطیٰ اور شمالی افریقہ میں ایک نمایاں جاب سائٹ، جس کی پاکستان میں مضبوط موجودگی ہے۔

    https://www.bayt.com/en/pakistan/

    Indeed پاکستان: عالمی سطح پر تسلیم شدہ جاب سرچ انجن۔

    https://pk.indeed.com/

    Search O Pal: پاکستان میں نوکریوں کے لیے ایک اور بڑھتا ہوا پلیٹ فارم۔

    https://www.searchopal.com/

    عالمی ہم جنس افراد دوستانہ جاب پلیٹ فارمز کی تلاش

    اگرچہ پاکستان میں صورتحال پیچیدہ ہے، لیکن ہم جنس افراد پیشہ ور افراد کو دنیا بھر میں شامل آجروں سے جوڑنے کے لیے وقف عالمی پلیٹ فارمز موجود ہیں۔ یہ ریموٹ کام کے مواقع کے لیے یا اگر آپ بیرون ملک مواقع پر غور کر رہے ہیں تو قیمتی وسائل ہو سکتے ہیں۔ ان پلیٹ فارمز پر بہت سی کمپنیاں فعال طور پر تنوع اور شمولیت کی حمایت کرتی ہیں، جو ممکنہ طور پر ایک محفوظ اور زیادہ خوش آئند کام کا ماحول فراہم کرتی ہیں۔

    myGwork: ہم جنس افراد پیشہ ور افراد اور طلباء کے لیے ایک عالمی نیٹ ورکنگ ہب اور جاب بورڈ۔ وہ ہم جنس افراد -شمولیت والی تنظیموں کے ساتھ شراکت کرتے ہیں۔

    https://mygwork.com/

    Out In Tech Qorporate Job Board: ٹیک انڈسٹری پر توجہ مرکوز کرتا ہے اور ہم جنس افراد افراد کے لیے کیریئر کو آگے بڑھانا چاہتا ہے۔ ان کی ایک معاون سلیک کمیونٹی بھی ہے۔

    https://outintech.com/

    Pink Jobs: “دنیا کا سب سے بڑا مساوی مواقع پر مبنی جاب بورڈ” ہونے کا دعویٰ کرتا ہے (نوٹ: انفرادی کمپنیوں پر ہمیشہ اپنی پوری جانچ پڑتال کریں)۔

    https://www.pinkjobs.com/

    Gaingels Job Board: وینچر کیپیٹل پر توجہ مرکوز کرتا ہے، لیکن تنوع اور شمولیت کے لیے پرعزم کمپنیوں سے بہت سے مواقع درج کرتا ہے۔

    https://www.gaingels.com/

    Gender Jobs: صنفی مساوات اور ہم جنس افراد حقوق پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے والے نوکریوں کے مواقع کے ساتھ ایک پلیٹ فارم۔

    https://genderjobs.org/

    کام پر امتیازی سلوک کا سامنا ہے؟ رپورٹ کریں۔

    ہم جانتے ہیں کہ انتہائی محتاط انداز کے باوجود، بدقسمتی سے پاکستان میں کام کی جگہ پر آپ کی کوئیر شناخت کی وجہ سے امتیازی سلوک اور ہراسانی ہو سکتی ہے۔ یہ ایک انتہائی تکلیف دہ اور غیر منصفانہ تجربہ ہے، اور آپ اکیلے نہیں ہیں۔

    اگرچہ جنسی رجحان کے امتیازی سلوک کے لیے قانونی راستے محدود ہیں، مخصوص قانونی تحفظات سے قطع نظر، ہمارا ماننا ہے کہ ایسے واقعات کو دستاویزی شکل دینا اور رپورٹ کرنا بہت ضروری ہے۔ یہ معلومات ہمیں تبدیلی کی وکالت کرنے، مسئلے کے دائرہ کار کو سمجھنے، اور جہاں ممکن ہو، مدد یا رہنمائی فراہم کرنے میں مدد کرتی ہے۔

    اگر آپ کو اپنی کوئیر شناخت کی وجہ سے امتیازی سلوک، ہراسانی، یا ملازمت سے بے دخلی کا سامنا کرنا پڑا ہے، تو براہ کرم ہمیں رپورٹ کریں۔ آپ کی رپورٹ کو انتہائی رازداری اور ہمدردی کے ساتھ نمٹا جائے گا۔

    https://forms.gle/Cwe36ZQiidC4aKkY9

    یاد رکھیں، آپ کی حفاظت اور فلاح و بہبود سب سے اہم ہے۔ اگر آپ کو لگتا ہے کہ آپ کی جسمانی حفاظت خطرے میں ہے، تو براہ کرم سب سے پہلے اسے ترجیح دیں۔

    ہم آپ کے لیے یہاں ہیں

    پاکستان میں ہم جنس افراد کے لیے مالی آزادی اور ایک مکمل کیریئر کا سفر غیر معمولی طور پر چیلنجنگ ہو سکتا ہے۔ پرائیڈ پاکستان پرائیڈ پاکستان میں ہم آپ کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں۔ اپنی مہارتیں بناتے رہیں، مواقع تلاش کرتے رہیں، اور یاد رکھیں کہ آپ کی قدر دوسروں کے تنگ نظری سے طے نہیں ہوتی۔ ہم ایک ایسے پاکستان کو فروغ دینے کے لیے پرعزم ہیں جہاں ہر کوئی، اپنی شناخت سے قطع نظر، وقار اور احترام کے ساتھ ترقی کر سکے۔

  • Finding Your Path: Employment Support for LGBTQI Individuals in Pakistan

    Finding Your Path: Employment Support for LGBTQI Individuals in Pakistan

    A Message of Hope and Practical Guidance from Pride Pakistan

    Dear Friends,

    We at PridePakistan.org understand the immense challenges you face as LGBTQI individuals in Pakistan, especially when it comes to securing stable and respectable employment. We hear your calls for support, your struggles with financial independence, and the profound pain of discrimination and harassment you experience in workplaces.

    It breaks our hearts that we, as an organization, do not have the extensive financial resources or direct corporate ties to offer immediate jobs or direct financial aid. We recognize that many of you have already endured significant stigma, prejudice, and even expulsion from previous employment due to your queer identity. Your resilience in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.

    While we cannot directly place you in jobs, what we can do is empower you with knowledge and strategies to navigate the job market more effectively and safely. This page is dedicated to providing practical guidance on applying for jobs in Pakistan, with strategies to protect your identity, alongside information on global platforms that champion LGBTQI inclusion.

    Navigating the Pakistani Job Market: Strategies for Safe Application

    The reality in Pakistan is that explicit legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation are largely absent. While the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, offers some safeguards for trans and intersex individuals, general anti-discrimination laws for the broader LGBTQI community are not yet established. This makes a careful and strategic approach to job applications essential.

    Our primary advice for applying to Pakistani corporate and government jobs is to focus solely on your qualifications, skills, and experience, without disclosing or describing your queer identity during the application or initial interview process.

    Here’s how to approach this:

    • Focus on Professionalism: Your resume, cover letter, and interview responses should highlight your professional strengths, accomplishments, and how you can contribute to the employer’s success.
    • Maintain Privacy:
      • Resume/CV: Do not include any information that could hint at your sexual orientation or gender identity (unless it’s directly relevant to a specific role, which is rare, and even then, discretion is advised).
      • Cover Letter: Keep your cover letter strictly professional, addressing your suitability for the role.
      • Online Presence: Be mindful of your public social media profiles. While personal expression is vital, consider how your public online presence might be perceived by potential employers. If you have profiles that explicitly link to your queer identity, ensure your privacy settings are robust, or consider having a separate professional online persona if possible.
      • Interviews: If asked personal questions that are not related to the job, you can politely redirect by stating you prefer to keep your personal life separate from your professional life. Focus on reiterating your skills and enthusiasm for the role.
    • Networking (Cautiously): While networking is crucial, be cautious about whom you disclose your identity to within professional circles in Pakistan. Build trust gradually and assess the environment before opening up.
    • Research Company Culture (if possible): While difficult in Pakistan, if you have any indirect connections or can find information online, try to gauge a company’s general attitude towards diversity and inclusion. However, be aware that publicly stated policies may not always reflect the lived experience within the workplace.

    Official Job Links in Pakistan

    Here are some official and reputable platforms where you can search for jobs in Pakistan:

    Government Jobs:

    Corporate and Private Sector Jobs:

    Exploring Global LGBTQI+ Friendly Job Platforms

    While the situation in Pakistan is complex, there are global platforms dedicated to connecting LGBTQI+ professionals with inclusive employers worldwide. These can be valuable resources for remote work opportunities or if you are considering opportunities abroad. Many companies on these platforms actively champion diversity and inclusion, providing a potentially safer and more welcoming work environment.

    • myGwork: A global networking hub and job board for LGBTQ+ professionals and students. They partner with LGBTQ+-inclusive organizations.
    • Out In Tech Qorporate Job Board: Focuses on the tech industry and aims to advance careers for LGBTQ+ individuals. They also have a supportive Slack community.
    • Pink Jobs: Claims to be “The world’s largest equal opportunity focused job board.” (Note: always conduct your due diligence on individual companies.)
    • Gaingels Job Board: Focuses on venture capital, but lists many opportunities from companies committed to diversity and inclusion.
    • Gender Jobs: A platform with job opportunities focused on gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights.

    Facing Discrimination at Work? Report It.

    We know that even with the most careful approach, discrimination and harassment due to your queer identity can unfortunately occur in the workplace in Pakistan. It is a deeply painful and unjust experience, and you are not alone.

    While legal avenues for sexual orientation discrimination are limited, Regardless of specific legal protections, we believe it is crucial to document and report such incidents. This information helps us advocate for change, understand the scope of the problem, and, where possible, offer support or guidance.

    If you have faced discrimination, harassment, or expulsion from employment because of your queer identity, please report it to us. Your report will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and empathy.

    https://forms.gle/Cwe36ZQiidC4aKkY9

    Remember, your safety and well-being are paramount. If you feel your physical safety is at risk, please prioritize that above all else.

    We Are Here for You

    The journey to financial independence and a fulfilling career can be exceptionally challenging for LGBTQI individuals in Pakistan. We at PridePakistan.org stand with you. Keep building your skills, keep seeking opportunities, and remember that your worth is not defined by the narrow views of others. We are committed to fostering a Pakistan where everyone, regardless of their identity, can thrive with dignity and respect.

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