Pride Pakistan

Tag: Gay Rights

  • 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

  • Arshad Khan: A Gay Son and His Muslim Father

    Arshad Khan: A Gay Son and His Muslim Father

    Arshad Khan, a Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker and founder of Abu Films, has become a powerful voice in global cinema. His deeply personal work explores themes of migration, identity, sexuality, and the struggle of reconciling being gay with a devout Muslim upbringing.

    In this video interview with Xtra Magazine on Oct 14, 2017,, Khan reflects on his journey as a gay son navigating a difficult relationship with his Muslim father. His story is not only personal but also universal—echoing the experiences of countless gay men who face rejection, silence, or hostility within their families and communities.

    ▶️ Watch the video here:

    About Abu

    Khan’s acclaimed documentary Abu (2017) is a moving exploration of his family’s migration from Pakistan to Canada, his coming out journey, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The film has been screened at international festivals and praised for its honesty, vulnerability, and artistry.

    Through Abu, Khan not only tells his own story but also sheds light on the broader struggles of gay Muslims who are often caught between cultural expectations and personal truth.

    🎬 Abu Films: A Platform for Diverse Voices

    As the founder of Abu Films, Khan has dedicated himself to producing and supporting films that amplify underrepresented voices. His work emphasizes:

    • Gay narratives from South Asia and the diaspora
    • Immigrant experiences and the complexities of cultural identity
    • Challenging stereotypes about Muslims, Pakistanis, and gay people

    Arshad Khan’s films are more than art—they are acts of resistance. By telling stories that are often silenced, he creates space for dialogue, empathy, and change. His courage inspires gay Pakistanis and diaspora communities to embrace their identities and demand visibility.

    References & Links

    Arshad Khan’s journey reminds us that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for change. By sharing his truth through Abu and Abu Films, he challenges prejudice, builds bridges, and ensures that gay Muslim voices are heard on the global stage.

  • Qasim Iqbal: Speaking Out on Islam and LGBTQI Rights in Pakistan

    Qasim Iqbal: Speaking Out on Islam and LGBTQI Rights in Pakistan

    In a country where LGBTQI voices are often silenced, Qasim Iqbal, a leading activist, has courageously spoken out about the realities faced by queer people in Pakistan. In this short but powerful video interview with PinkNews on Jun 4, 2020, he explains how laws, social stigma, and religious hate combine to make life unsafe for LGBTQI individuals.

    📢 Video Highlights

    • Criminalisation: Homosexuality remains illegal under Section 377 of the Penal Code, a colonial-era law still used to harass and intimidate.
    • Abuse of Power: Police and authorities exploit these laws to blackmail and extort LGBTQI people.
    • Social Stigma: Religious and cultural narratives fuel hate, forcing many into secrecy and isolation.
    • Resilience: Despite these challenges, activists like Qasim Iqbal continue to fight for dignity, equality, and recognition of LGBTQI rights as human rights.

    Qasim’s voice represents the lived reality of thousands of LGBTQI Pakistanis who cannot speak openly. His testimony is a reminder that our struggle is not invisible and that international solidarity is essential.

    You can watch the full interview here:
    LGBT rights in Pakistan explained by activist Qasim Iqbal (YouTube)

    📚 References & Further Reading

    Qasim Iqbal’s message is clear: LGBTQI rights are human rights. His courage in speaking out should inspire us all to continue raising awareness, challenging hate, and demanding equality in Pakistan and beyond.

  • 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.

    If you have faced violence, harassment, blackmail, detention, or an FIR because of your real or perceived LGBTQIA+ identity, you deserve to be heard and supported. We know how frightening and isolating these experiences can be in Pakistan, especially when the harm comes from family members, community members, or state authorities.

    Your report helps us document abuses, connect you with legal support, and advocate for stronger protections for LGBTQIA+ people across the country. Every story matters — and your safety comes first.

    👉 Report Violence or State Abuse
    https://forms.gle/WoFG466RTBB44PXg9

  • 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

  • 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

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by