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Tag: Violence

  • Breaking the Silence: Justice for Swat Student and the Epidemic of Violence Against Pakistan’s LGBTQ+ Community

    Breaking the Silence: Justice for Swat Student and the Epidemic of Violence Against Pakistan’s LGBTQ+ Community

    سوات کا واقعہ: خاموشی توڑنے کا وقت اور پاکستان میں ہم جنس پرست اور خواجہ سرا برادری پر تشدد کا المیہ

    A horrifying incident recently came to light on social media from Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A ninth-grade student, Muhammad Sadeed, was lured to a local hujra under the pretense of a social gathering by his own schoolmates. There, he was sexually assaulted, forcibly filmed naked, threatened with murder, and subjected to blackmail. The perpetrators subsequently circulated the explicit video online.

    Swat Police, led by DPO Muhammad Umar Khan and SHO Zia-ur-Rehman of Saidu Sharif Police Station, acted on the circulating video and arrested three suspects: Abdullah, Sabir, and Muhammad Bilawal.

    While the swift police action in this specific case is a necessary step toward accountability, this incident is far from isolated. Across Pakistan, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals face a daily reality of systemic violence, entrapment, and severe discrimination.

    Online platforms and dating apps are frequently weaponized by criminal networks and influential individuals to target vulnerable youth. Victims are systematically lured, physically assaulted, raped, recorded without consent, and blackmailed for money or forced silence under the threat of public exposure. In a society where queer identities carry heavy social stigma and legal risks, perpetrators operate with near-total impunity, knowing victims are often too terrified to seek help.

    For every case that makes headlines or results in police intervention, countlessly more remain buried in shame and fear. Powerful actors exploit social taboos to silence victims, leaving a trail of trauma that rarely reaches the public consciousness.

    We at Pride Pakistan demand comprehensive protection for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, strict enforcement of privacy and anti-blackmail laws, and an immediate end to the culture of impunity that enables targeted abuse against marginalized communities. Violence is a crime, and no societal stigma should ever justify or cover up sexual violence.

    سوات سے سوشل میڈیا کے ذریعے ایک دردناک واقعہ سامنے آیا ہے جس نے سیکیورٹی اور معاشرتی رویوں پر سنجیدہ سوالات اٹھا دیے ہیں۔ سیدو شریف میں جماعت نہم کے ایک طالب علم محمد سدید کو پارٹی کے بہانے حجرے میں بلا کر اس کے ساتھ بدفعلی کی گئی، اس کی برہنہ ویڈیو بنائی گئی اور بعد میں اسے وائرل کر کے جان سے مارنے کی دھمکیاں دی گئیں۔

    سوات پولیس نے کارروائی کرتے ہوئے واقعے میں ملوث تین ملزمان عبداللہ، صابر اور محمد بلاول کو گرفتار کر لیا ہے۔

    اگرچہ اس مخصوص واقعے میں پولیس کی فوری کارروائی ایک مثبت قدم ہے، لیکن یہ کوئی ایک تنہا واقعہ نہیں ہے۔ پورے پاکستان میں ہم جنس پرست، خواجہ سرا اور دیگر غیر روایتی جنس رکھنے والے افراد کو روزمرہ کی بنیاد پر تشدد، بلیک میلنگ اور امتیازی سلوک کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے۔

    آن لائن ایپس اور سوشل میڈیا پلیٹ فارمز کو اکثر ستم ظریف عناصر اور بااثر افراد کی جانب سے ہدف بنانے کے لیے استعمال کیا جاتا ہے۔ حاشیے پر موجود افراد کو آن لائن ورغلا کر بلیک میل کیا جاتا ہے، ان پر تشدد کیا جاتا ہے اور ان کی ذاتی زندگی کو عام کرنے کی دھمکی دے کر ان کا استحصال کیا جاتا ہے۔

    معاشرتی بدنامی اور قانونی پیچیدگیوں کے خوف سے اکثر متاثرین خاموش رہنے پر مجبور ہو جاتے ہیں، جس کا فائدہ اٹھا کر جرم کرنے والے آزاد گھومتے ہیں۔ بہت سے واقعات ایسے ہیں جو کبھی منظرِ عام پر نہیں آ پاتے۔

    ہم پرائیڈ پاکستان کے پلیٹ فارم سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ ہر شہری کی عزت اور سلامتی کا تحفظ یقینی بنایا جائے، آن لائن بلیک میلنگ کے خلاف سخت قوانین نافذ کیے جائیں اور جنسی تشدد اور استحصالی رویوں کا بلا تفریق خاتمہ کیا جائے۔ کسی بھی انسان کے خلاف تشدد جرم ہے اور اس پر کسی قسم کا سمجھوتہ نہیں ہونا چاہیے۔

  • Another Tragic Blow: FIA Offloads and Targets Gay Couple at Karachi Airport Over Same-Sex Marriage Plans

    Another Tragic Blow: FIA Offloads and Targets Gay Couple at Karachi Airport Over Same-Sex Marriage Plans

    ایک اور المناک واقعہ: کراچی ایئرپورٹ پر ہم جنس پرست جوڑے کو آف لوڈ کر کے نشانہ بنایا گیا

    The pervasive climate of fear, surveillance, and systemic targeting of the LGBTQ+ community in Pakistan has claimed yet another heavy toll. In mid-October 2026, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi intercepted and offloaded a gay couple attempting to board a flight abroad.

    The couple, who had reportedly lived discreetly together and maintained a long-term relationship, were planning to travel to Thailand to formalize their relationship through a same-sex marriage, with ultimate aspirations of building a safe life together in Europe. Instead, their journey ended in state interrogation, public exposure, and legal harassment.

    According to reports from mainstream and investigative media outlets—including ProPakistani and The News—the two men were singled out during routine exit-control and immigration checks.Immigration officials flagged the passengers after closely scrutinizing their travel documents, questioning their intentions, and digging into their personal lives.

    The individuals were identified in reports as Shahid (from Muzaffargarh) and Khalil (from Sialkot). During the aggressive interrogation by FIA officials:

    • Khalil reportedly admitted that the two had first met back in 2017 and had maintained a committed relationship over the years.
    • Investigators extracted details indicating that Shahid had been providing Khalil with monthly financial support amounting to roughly Rs. 60,000.
    • Under intense pressure, they revealed their intentions to marry in Thailand and eventually seek refuge or a life together overseas.

    Rather than allowing them to seek safety or personal freedom, immigration authorities barred them from boarding, offloaded them from the aircraft, and handed them over for further investigation and legal action.

    Invasive Phone Searches: A Systemic Violation of Privacy

    While this high-profile incident unfolded under the glaring lights of an international airport, it is far from an isolated case. Across Pakistan, law enforcement agencies, police forces, and border security authorities routinely weaponize invasive phone searches against ordinary citizens, particularly targeting queer individuals.

    Security personnel at checkpoints and stations routinely demand access to personal cell phones, scanning private photo galleries, dating app histories, personal chats, and social media DMs. Finding any digital trace, chat log, or media depicting someone as gay is frequently used to justify harassment, blackmail, extortion, and arbitrary arrests.

    While thousands of discreet queer individuals live under constant threat of exposure inside the country, airport incidents like this gain immediate visibility because border authorities treat private personal lives as a matter of “state security” or immigration violation checks.

    The continuous policing of personal identity, love, and mobility violates basic human dignity. No one should be imprisoned, interrogated, or denied their freedom of movement simply because of who they love or whom they choose to marry.

    At Pride Pakistan, we condemn the ongoing surveillance, phone-checking culture, and state-backed harassment targeting the LGBTQ+ community. We stand in solidarity with Shahid, Khalil, and countless unnamed individuals who face systemic persecution daily. Privacy is a fundamental right, and love is never a crime.

    Sources & References:

    پاکستان میں خوف، نگرانی اور ہم جنس پرست برادری کو باقاعدہ ہدف بنانے کا ماحول ایک اور المناک واقعے کا سبب بن گیا ہے۔ اکتوبر دو ہزار چھبیس کے وسط میں، کراچی کے جناح انٹرنیشنل ایئرپورٹ پر فیڈرل انویسٹی گیشن ایجنسی (ایف آئی اے) کے امیگریشن حکام نے بیرونِ ملک جانے والے ایک ہم جنس پرست جوڑے کو پرواز سے اتار کر حراست میں لے لیا۔

    یہ جوڑا، جو گزشتہ کئی سالوں سے خاموشی اور پردہ داری کے ساتھ ایک دوسرے کے ساتھ رہ رہا تھا، اپنی شادی کی تقریب کے لیے تھائی لینڈ روانہ ہو رہا تھا تاکہ بعد میں یورپ جا کر ایک محفوظ اور پرسکون زندگی گزار سکے۔ لیکن ان کا یہ سفر ریاست کی تفتیش، ہراسانی اور قانونی مشکلات پر ختم ہوا۔

    کراچی ایئرپورٹ پر پیش آنے والا واقعہ

    مختلف صحافتی ذرائع (بشمول پرو پاکستانی، ڈیلی جنگ اور روزنامہ ایکسپریس) کے مطابق، ان دونوں افراد کو امیگریشن کی معمول کی جانچ پڑتال کے دوران روکا گیا۔ حکام نے ان کے سفری دستاویزات اور سفر کے مقاصد پر سخت سوالات اٹھائے۔

    رپورٹس میں ان افراد کی شناخت شاہد (جس کا تعلق مظفر گڑھ سے ہے) اور خلیل (جس کا تعلق سیالکوٹ سے ہے) کے ناموں سے ہوئی ہے:

    • دورانِ تفتیش یہ بات سامنے آئی کہ دونوں کی پہلی ملاقات دو ہزار سترہ میں ہوئی تھی اور وہ تب سے ایک دوسرے کے ساتھ قائم رشتے میں تھے۔
    • تفتیش میں یہ بھی ظاہر ہوا کہ شاہد اپنے ساتھی خلیل کو ماہانہ تقریباً ساٹھ ہزار روپے مالی معاونت فراہم کر رہا تھا۔
    • سخت ذہنی دباؤ اور تفتیش کے بعد دونوں نے اعتراف کیا کہ وہ تھائی لینڈ میں شادی کر کے یورپ میں آباد ہونا چاہتے تھے۔

    امیگریشن حکام نے انہیں پرواز پر سوار ہونے سے روک دیا، طیارے سے آف لوڈ کیا اور مزید تفتیش و قانونی کارروائی کے لیے تحویل میں لے لیا۔

    فون کی تلاشی اور نجی زندگی پر حملہ

    کراچی ایئرپورٹ کا یہ واقعہ اپنی نوعیت کا پہلا یا تنہا واقعہ نہیں ہے۔ پورے پاکستان میں پولیس، ایف آئی اے اور دیگر سیکیورٹی ادارے عام شہریوں بالخصوص ہم جنس پرست برادری کے خلاف فون کی جارحانہ تلاشی کا طریقہ کار استعمال کر رہے ہیں۔

    چیک پوسٹوں اور ایئرپورٹس پر شہریوں کے ذاتی موبائل فونز کی تلاشی لی جاتی ہے، جہاں ان کی ذاتی تصاویر، چیٹ ہسٹری اور سوشل میڈیا پیغام رسانی کو کھنگالا جاتا ہے۔ اگر کسی بھی شخص کے فون سے کوئی ایسی چیٹ یا تصویر مل جائے جس سے اس کی ہم جنس پرستی کا اشارہ ملتا ہو، تو اسے بلیک میلنگ، رقم بٹورنے اور غیر قانونی گرفتاریوں کے لیے استعمال کیا جاتا ہے۔

    ایئرپورٹ پر ہونے والے ایسے واقعات صرف اس لیے سامنے آ پاتے ہیں کیونکہ بارڈر سیکیورٹی اور امیگریشن حکام شہریوں کی ذاتی اور نجی زندگیوں کو “سیکیورٹی رسک” یا سفری بے ضابطگی بنا کر پیش کرتے ہیں۔

    انسانی حقوق اور یکجہتی کی اپیل

    کسی بھی فرد کی ذاتی شناخت، محبت اور نقل و حرکت کی آزادی پر پابندی عائد کرنا بنیادی انسانی حقوق اور انسانی وقار کے خلاف ہے۔ کسی بھی انسان کو صرف اس بنیاد پر گرفتار یا ہراساں نہیں کیا جانا چاہیے کہ وہ کس سے محبت کرتا ہے یا کس سے شادی کرنا چاہتا ہے۔

    پرائیڈ پاکستان اس بڑھتی ہوئی نگرانی، فون تلاشی کے کلچر اور ریاستی ہراسانی کی سخت الفاظ میں مذمت کرتا ہے۔ ہم شاہد، خلیل اور ان تمام گمنام افراد کے ساتھ مکمل یکجہتی کا اظہار کرتے ہیں جو روزانہ اس جبر کا سامنا کر رہے ہیں۔ پرائیویسی انسان کا بنیادی حق ہے، اور محبت کوئی جرم نہیں ہے۔

  • The Stolen Voice of Rehan: Queer Resistance, Harassment, and Mysterious Death in Islamabad

    The Stolen Voice of Rehan: Queer Resistance, Harassment, and Mysterious Death in Islamabad

    Rehan was a young Pakistani queer individual whose voice vibrated with raw emotion, poetry, and vulnerable truths about navigating life, love, and identity in a deeply hostile society. Once verified across social media platforms, Rehan utilized Instagram and Twitter to share personal reflections, artistic verses, and direct messages with community networks, seeking solidarity in a world that routinely enforces silence.

    On September 12, the community received devastating news: a peer shared photographs confirming that Rehan’s body had been recovered under mysterious, unexplained circumstances from a lake in Islamabad.

    Targeted Harassment: Family Persecution and State Abuse

    Rehan’s tragic end was not an isolated incident, nor did it happen in a vacuum. Before his death, Rehan documented ongoing, severe harassment and psychological torture coming from multiple fronts:

    • Relational and Family Persecution: Like many queer youth in Pakistan, Rehan faced intense hostility, threats, and emotional abuse from relatives who viewed his identity as a source of dishonor.
    • Authority Harassment: Rehan was also subjected to targeted intimidation and harassment by local law enforcement and authorities, who routinely exploit Section 377 and social stigma to extort, threaten, and abuse queer individuals.

    Rehan’s struggle illustrates the terrifying reality for queer Pakistanis: when both the family unit and state institutions become sources of violence, there is virtually no safe haven left.

    A Broader Pattern Across Pakistan

    Rehan’s death is part of a growing, undocumented epidemic of mysterious deaths, forced disappearances, and targeted killings of LGBTQI+ individuals across Pakistan. From urban centers like Islamabad and Lahore to smaller towns across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, queer individuals routinely vanish, are found dead in unexplained circumstances, or are driven to extreme distress due to relentless state and societal torture.

    The Systemic Erasure of Truth

    In the days following Rehan’s death, a familiar pattern of digital and legal erasure unfolded:

    • Disappearing Digital Legacy: Rehan’s verified Instagram and Twitter handles—containing years of poetry, personal struggles, and queer activism—completely vanished from public view, wiped or deactivated following his death to bury his memory.
    • Media and Police Blackout: A search through Islamabad crime logs, mainstream news outlets, and police station registries yields zero official reports of the drowning. When families refuse to file an FIR or acknowledge a queer relative, the state treats the individual’s death as if it never occurred.
    • Vanishing Records: Even within encrypted community archives and inbox histories, past accounts and profiles vanished, leaving peer-to-peer social media posts as the sole surviving proof of Rehan’s life and tragic end.

    Rehan was an artist, a queer youth, and an integral part of our community. This profile stands as a permanent monument to Rehan’s memory—proof that Rehan lived, created, loved, and was taken from us far too soon.

    ریحان: ایک کوئیر شاعر جس کی آواز اور وجود کو مٹا دیا گیا

    ریحان ایک نوجوان پاکستانی کوئیر فرد تھے جن کی شاعراںہ تحریریں اور جذبات پاکستان کے سخت گیر معاشرے میں جینے، محبت اور پہچان کی سچی جدوجہد کا عکاس تھے۔ سوشل میڈیا پر ایک تصدیق شدہ پہچان رکھنے والے ریحان نے انسٹاگرام اور ٹوئٹر کا استعمال کرتے ہوئے ہمیشہ اپنی نظمیہ تحریریں، ذاتی احوال اور کمیونٹی کے لیے پیغامات شیئر کیے تاکہ ایک خاموش دنیا میں اپنی آواز پہنچا سکیں۔

    بارہ ستمبر کو کمیونٹی کو ایک ہولناک خبر موصول ہوئی، جب سوشل میڈیا پر ایک دوست نے تصویر کے ساتھ تصدیق کی کہ ریحان کی لاش اسلام آباد کی ایک جھیل سے پراسرار اور نامعلوم حالات میں برآمد ہوئی ہے۔

    منظم ہراسانی: خاندانی تعصب اور ریاستی جبر

    ریحان کا دردناک انجام کوئی واحد یا الگ تھلگ واقعہ نہیں تھا۔ اپنی وفات سے پہلے، ریحان نے اپنے پیغامات اور تحریروں میں ان مسلسل دھمکیوں اور شدید ہراسانی کا ذکر کیا جن کا انہیں متعدد اطراف سے سامنا تھا:

    خاندانی تعصب اور تشدد: پاکستان کے دیگر کوئیر نوجوانوں کی طرح، ریحان کو اپنے رشتہ داروں کی طرف سے شدید معاندانہ رویے، دھمکیوں اور جذباتی تشدد کا سامنا تھا جو ان کی پہچان کو اپنے لیے باعثِ شرم سمجھتے تھے۔

    ریاستی اداروں اور پولیس کی ہراسانی: ریحان کو مقامی پولیس اور انتظامیہ کی طرف سے بھی ہدف بنا کر بلیک میل اور ہراساں کیا جاتا تھا، جو کوئیر افراد کو ڈرانے دھمکانے اور ان کا استحصال کرنے کے لیے قانون اور سماجی تعصبات کا سہارا لیتے ہیں۔

    ریحان کی جدوجہد کوئیر پاکستانیوں کی اس ہولناک حقیقت کو ظاہر کرتی ہے کہ جب خاندان اور ریاستی ادارے دونوں ہی تشدد کا ذریعہ بن جائیں، تو انسان کے پاس چھپنے کے لیے کوئی محفوظ جگہ نہیں بچتی۔

    ملک بھر میں پھیلا ہوا ایک ہولناک سلسلہ

    ریحان کی موت پاکستان بھر میں ایل جی بی ٹی کیو آئی پلس افراد کی پراسرار اموات، جبری گمشدگیوں اور ٹارگٹڈ تشدد کے اس سلسلے کا حصہ ہے جسے کبھی سرکاری سطح پر ریکارڈ نہیں کیا جاتا۔ اسلام آباد اور لاہور جیسے بڑے شہروں سے لے کر پنجاب اور خیبر پختونخوا کے چھوٹے علاقوں تک، کوئیر افراد کو مسلسل خاموش کیا جا رہا ہے، وہ پراسرار حالات میں لاپتہ ہو جاتے ہیں یا تشدد سے تنگ آ کر ان کی زندگی چرا لی جاتی ہے۔

    ڈیجیٹل اور قانونی تاریخ کو مٹانے کا تسلسل

    ریحان کی وفات کے بعد وہی پرانا ہولناک سلسلہ دیکھنے کو ملا جو ہماری کمیونٹی کے ساتھ بار بار دہرایا جاتا ہے:

    ڈیجیٹل وجود کا خاتمہ: ریحان کے تصدیق شدہ انسٹاگرام اور ٹوئٹر اکاؤنٹس—جن میں ان کی سالوں کی شاعری اور جدوجہد کا ریکارڈ موجود تھا—اچانک منظرِ عام سے مکمل طور پر غائب کر دیے گئے تاکہ ان کی یادوں کو دفن کیا جا سکے۔

    میڈیا اور پولیس کی خاموشی: اسلام آباد کے مقامی پولیس ریکارڈ اور خبروں کے اداروں میں اس واقعے کی کوئی باقاعدہ رپورٹ نہیں ملتی۔ پاکستان میں جب خاندان والے پرچہ درج کرانے سے انکار کرتے ہیں، تو ریاست کوئیر افراد کی اموات کو مکمل طور پر نظر انداز کر دیتی ہے۔

    پیغامات کا غائب ہونا: یہاں تک کہ سوشل میڈیا کے ان باکسز سے بھی ریحان کا اکاؤنٹ ڈیلیٹ ہونے کی وجہ سے پرانے پیغامات غائب ہو گئے، جس کے بعد صرف دوستوں کی سوشل میڈیا پوسٹس ہی ان کے وجود کی آخری گواہی بچیں۔

    ریحان ایک شاعر، ایک کوئیر نوجوان اور ہماری برادری کا حصہ تھے۔ یہ بلاگ ان کی یاد میں ایک باوقار ڈیجیٹل منار کے طور پر قائم کیا گیا ہے—اس بات کا ثبوت کہ ریحان نے جنم لیا، شاعری کی، محبت کی، اور انہیں ہم سے بہت جلد چھین لیا گیا۔

    📌 Data Source & Correction Notice:

    The information regarding Rehan’s life, harassment, and death was gathered directly through underground social media community networks, peer documentation, and social media records, as formal police FIRs and mainstream news coverage are systematically suppressed. If you hold further information, screenshots of Rehan’s original poetry, or wish for any details on this memorial page to be updated, corrected, or removed for security reasons, please write to us directly through our secure contact forms.

  • Exposed and Persecuted: How Pakistani Police Weaponize Criminal Laws and Social Media Against Gay Minors

    Exposed and Persecuted: How Pakistani Police Weaponize Criminal Laws and Social Media Against Gay Minors

    نابالغ ہم جنس پرستوں کو نشانہ بنانا: پولیس کا سوشل میڈیا پر ٹرائل اور قانونی شقوں کا غلط استعمال

    In a alarming trend across Pakistan, police authorities are increasingly targeting, arresting, and publicly shaming gay and queer minors. Rather than protecting vulnerable youth, law enforcement agencies are weaponizing severe criminal statutes—often framing consensual or vulnerable same-sex encounters under heavy charges like gang rape (ijtimai ziyadati)—to justify unlawful detentions, extort families, and boost their public image.

    A recent incident involving the Stra Police Station (Thana Stra) in Punjab highlights the terrifying reality faced by young queer individuals in the country.

    The Incident: Public Shaming and Misuse of the Law

    In a video posted directly to social media by the Station House Officer (SHO), police celebrated the swift arrest of two minors, claiming credit for apprehending suspects in an alleged gang rape case:

    Police Statement:

    “ایس ایچ و تھانہ ستراہ چوہدری اکرم شہباز گجر کی بروقت کاروائی اجتماعی زیادتی کے ملزمان فوری گرفتار کرلئے اہلیان تھانہ ستراہ نے ایس ایچ او اکرم شہباز کی کارکردگی پر خراج تحسین پیش کیا چوہدری اکرم شہباز نے بتایا کہ ملزمان کو عدالت سے بہترین تفیتیش کی بدولت قرار واقعی سزا دلوائی جائے گی”

    (Timely action by SHO Stra Police Station, Chaudhry Akram Shahbaz Gujjar: Suspects of gang rape arrested immediately. Residents praised the performance of SHO Akram Shahbaz. Chaudhry Akram Shahbaz stated that through thorough investigation, the suspects will be given exemplary punishment by the court.)

    Beyond the severe legal charges leveled against these minors, the police officer personally recorded a video of the detained youth and published it online across social media platforms, boasting that the department would ensure they receive “exemplary punishment.”

    A Pattern of Abuse Across Pakistan

    This is not an isolated event. Similar cases involving gay and queer minors are surfacing with alarming frequency across various districts in Pakistan:

    1. Manipulation of Criminal Charges: Consensual same-sex relationships among young people or instances of police entrapment are routinely converted into non-bailable, heavy charges such as rape (Section 376 PPC), gang rape, or unnatural offenses (Section 377 PPC). By framing these cases under the umbrella of violent crime, police bypass basic juvenile protections and rally public hostility against the minors.
    2. Violations of Juvenile Rights and Privacy: Under both Pakistani law (the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018) and international human rights conventions, the identity, privacy, and dignity of minors in custody must be strictly protected. Recording videos of detained children and broadcasting their faces on social media for public praise directly violates juvenile protection laws and destroys the lives of these minors before any court trial even begins.
    3. Forced Confessions and Public Trials by Media: Posting media content of detained individuals creates a public verdict long before due process takes place. As highlighted in international human rights reports, a vast majority of prisoners in Pakistan are held without fair trials, often coerced into making video statements under police duress and threats of physical abuse.

    The Human Rights Impact

    When police officers use social media to parade arrested minors as trophies for public approval, they expose these children to extreme societal violence, honor-related threats, and permanent psychological trauma. Framing queer youth under severe rape laws rather than recognizing their vulnerability strips them of fair legal representation and leaves families terrified to seek justice.

    Pride Pakistan calls upon child protection bureaus, legal advocacy groups, and human rights watchdogs to hold police officials accountable for filming and publishing videos of minors, to monitor the misuse of severe criminal charges against queer youth, and to ensure that juvenile justice laws are strictly enforced across all police jurisdictions.

    (Note: If you are accessing our website from within Pakistan, please ensure you use a VPN to view our resources safely.)

    Source: https://www.facebook.com/reel/981884561245762

    : نابالغ ہم جنس پرستوں کو نشانہ بنانا: پولیس کا سوشل میڈیا پر ٹرائل اور قانونی شقوں کا غلط استعمال

    پاکستان میں گزشتہ کچھ عرصے سے ایک انتہائی تشویشناک رجحان سامنے آ رہا ہے جہاں پولیس اور قانون نافذ کرنے والے ادارے ہم جنس پرست اور خواجہ سرا نابالغ افراد کو گرفتار کر کے نہ صرف ان پر سنگین دفعات عائد کر رہے ہیں بلکہ ان کی ویڈیوز بھی سوشل میڈیا پر جاری کر رہے ہیں۔

    حال ہی میں ضلع سیالکوٹ کے تھانہ ستراہ میں سامنے آنے والے ایک واقعے نے اس طرزِ عمل کو بظاہر بے نقاب کیا ہے۔

    واقعے کا پس منظر اور میڈیا پر اعترافی ویڈیوز

    تھانہ ستراہ کے ایس ایچ او نے دو نابالغ افراد کی گرفتاری کی تصویر اور ویڈیو سوشل میڈیا پر پوسٹ کی، جس میں ان پر سنگین الزامات عائد کیے گئے اور دعویٰ کیا گیا کہ انہیں عدالت سے “قرار واقعی سزا” دلوائی جائے گی۔

    اس قسم کے واقعات میں درج ذیل قانونی اور انسانی حقوق کی خلاف ورزیاں دیکھنے میں آتی ہیں:

    1. سنگین دفعات کا استعمال: رضا مندی کے تعلقات یا ہراساں کیے جانے کے واقعات کو اکثر پولیس کی جانب سے گینگ ریپ (اجتماعی زیادتی) یا دفعہ 377 جیسی غیر ضمانتی اور سخت دفعات میں تبدیل کر دیا جاتا ہے تاکہ عوام میں اپنی کارکردگی کا ڈھنڈورا پیٹا جا سکے۔
    2. جووینائل جسٹس ایکٹ کی خلاف ورزی: پاکستان کے “جووینائل جسٹس سسٹم ایکٹ 2018” اور بین الاقوامی قوانین کے تحت کسی بھی زیرِ حراست نابالغ شخص کی شناخت، چہرہ، یا ویڈیو عام کرنا مکمل طور پر ممنوع ہے۔ سوشل میڈیا پر نابالغ بچوں کی ویڈیوز پوسٹ کرنا ان کی پرائیویسی اور بنیادی انسانی حقوق کا سنگین التزام ہے۔
    3. میڈیا پر پیشگی فیصلہ: حراست میں لیے گئے بچوں کو میڈیا اور واٹس ایپ گروپس میں پیش کر کے ان کا ٹرائل کیا جاتا ہے، جس سے نہ صرف ان کی زندگی خطرے میں پڑ جاتی ہے بلکہ عدالت کے فیصلوں سے پہلے ہی انہیں معاشرتی طور پر نشانہ بنا دیا جاتا ہے۔

    انسانی حقوق پر اثرات

    جب پولیس حکام عوامی داد حاصل کرنے کے لیے زیرِ حراست نابالغوں کی ویڈیوز جاری کرتے ہیں، تو اس سے ان بچوں کی زندگی، حفاظت اور ذہنی صحت شدید خطرے میں پڑ جاتی ہے۔

    پرائیڈ پاکستان تمام انسانی حقوق کی تنظیموں اور چائلڈ پروٹیکشن بیوروز سے اپیل کرتی ہے کہ وہ نابالغ افراد کے حقوق کے تحفظ کے لیے پولیس کے اس غیر قانونی اور امتیازی طرزِ عمل کے خلاف آواز اٹھائیں۔

    (نوٹ: پاکستان میں ہماری ویب سائٹ تک رسائی کے لیے وی پی این کا استعمال کریں۔)

  • I was tired of hiding – My journey as a Pakistani bisexual asylum-seeking mother

    I was tired of hiding – My journey as a Pakistani bisexual asylum-seeking mother

    I’m from Pakistan — a place where the word “bisexual” doesn’t even exist in most conversations. Growing up as a girl, I was always told how to behave: don’t speak to boys, don’t question elders, and one day, marry the man your parents choose for you. But what nobody knew was that while I was told to fear boys, I was quietly developing feelings for girls. I didn’t have a name for it. I just knew I felt something different when I hugged a close friend, or when I imagined a future — it wasn’t always with a man. 

    In my culture, talking about sexuality is like lighting a fire in a dry field — it burns everything. So I stayed quiet. I obeyed. And eventually, I was married off in an arranged marriage. I met my husband for the first time after the wedding. There was no connection. There was no love. Only expectations, and soon after, violence. I told him once, half-joking, that I sometimes had feelings for women. He laughed it off. But when I moved to the UK later and began studying, I met LGBTQ+ groups for the first time — people who lived freely and loved openly. For the first time in my life, I started to understand myself. I learned the word “bisexual,” and more importantly, I finally accepted myself. 

    That’s when everything began to unravel. 

    When I told my husband again — this time seriously — he became aggressive. He told me it was sinful, disgusting, a disgrace to his family. The emotional abuse became physical. When he assaulted me, I went to the police. I had finally found the courage to speak out. But I didn’t know that reporting him would lead him to expose me to my family in Pakistan. From that point, the threats became real. My family told me I had no shame. That a woman like me shouldn’t be allowed to raise a daughter. That I would bring dishonour on them all. They said if I returned to Pakistan, I would be dealt with — for them, that meant punishment, even death, to “make an example.” 

    At that moment, I knew I couldn’t go back. Not for myself, and not for my child. 

    In my culture, talking about sexuality is like lighting a fire in a dry field.

    I applied for asylum in the UK as a bisexual woman in 2022, after trying to manage everything quietly for so long. I didn’t know at first that I could claim asylum based on my sexuality — it wasn’t something people talk about. I was scared, ashamed, and alone. But eventually I found out through others, and I began the process. My interviews took time — months of waiting, preparing, and trying to stay emotionally strong. The process itself was heavy. In my main interview, I had to talk about parts of my life I had buried deep. I had to explain trauma, abuse, and fear to strangers — and try to stay composed, because I knew they were watching closely to see if I was “credible enough.” 

    Being a person seeking asylum is not easy. Emotionally, it’s isolating. Financially, I have worked hard, starting from a team member job to now becoming an assistant manager. I pay taxes. I never took benefits. I’m doing my best, not just to survive, but to give my child a normal, peaceful life — something I never had. But mentally, the weight is always there: will they believe me? Will they send me back? 

    I live every day knowing that if I were forced to return, I could lose my child — or worse. That fear never leaves. 

    Rainbow Migration came into my life like a quiet light. I was referred to them by someone I met through a support circle. I reached out nervously, unsure if anyone would care or understand. But from the beginning, they were kind, welcoming, and respectful. They helped me understand the asylum process, offered emotional support, and gave me a sense of community I hadn’t felt in years. Without Rainbow Migration, I would have felt truly alone in this journey. They reminded me that I’m not the only one — and that my life, my voice, and my truth matter. 

    I haven’t been detained, but I’ve heard stories from others, and I live with the constant anxiety that something could go wrong. For women like me — bisexual, South Asian, single mothers — the fear is always layered: fear of violence, of judgment, of being forgotten. 

    But I’m still here. I’m still standing. And I want others to know that no matter how broken you feel, no matter how unsafe the world has made you feel — you are not wrong for being who you are. 

    I used to hide everything about myself, even from myself. Now, even in fear, I choose to live truthfully. Not just for me, but for my child — to  grow up in a world where there my child never has to hide who they are.

    The original post is written by a Rainbow Migration UK user and published in DIVA magazine.

    Read the original article on Rainbow Migration UK site here

    Read the original article on DIVA magazine site here

  • Escalating Persecution: A Dark Chapter for the Gay Community in Pakistan and the Digital Witch Hunt by FIA & NCCIA

    Escalating Persecution: A Dark Chapter for the Gay Community in Pakistan and the Digital Witch Hunt by FIA & NCCIA

    A Statement of Solidarity and Urgent Concern

    At PridePakistan.org, we stand in unwavering solidarity with every member of the LGBTQI community currently living under a shadow of fear in Pakistan. Our organization is deeply saddened and outraged by the escalating wave of arrests, digital surveillance, and state-sponsored harassment targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

    For too long, the international community has been told a convenient narrative: that while homosexuality is technically illegal in Pakistan under colonial-era laws, the state does not actively “prosecute” people for being gay. We are here to tell you that this narrative is a myth. Today, the persecution has moved from the streets to the digital world. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have launched a coordinated crackdown, not just by blocking websites like our own (PridePakistan.org) and popular dating platforms, but by actively hunting down those who attempt to access these safe spaces.

    The Digital Trap: Entrapment and Human Rights Violations

    The Pakistani state is utilizing the NCCIA and FIA to turn the internet into a minefield for the gay community. It is no longer just about censorship; it is about entrapment. Reports indicate that security agencies are monitoring dating platforms and using them to lure community members into “honey traps,” leading to public shaming, arrests, and the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).

    The blocking of PridePakistan.org and other support resources is a direct attempt to isolate the community, cutting off access to mental health support, legal advice, and a sense of belonging. Even more alarming is the arrest of individuals simply for trying to bypass these blocks to find connection in a society that continues to marginalize them.

    The Reality of Torture and Daily FIRs

    PridePakistan issues this strong statement today because we can no longer remain silent about the volume of suffering we witness. On a daily basis, PridePakistan receives thousands of messages and calls for help. Our community members report:

    • Systemic Torture: Individuals taken into custody by the FIA and police are often subjected to physical and psychological torture.
    • Illegal FIRs: Authorities are using broad “obscenity” and “cybercrime” laws to register cases against gay men, often without any evidence of a crime other than their identity.
    • Blackmail: These arrests often lead to state-sanctioned extortion, where victims are forced to pay bribes to avoid public exposure or further violence.

    These actions are a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to privacy, the right to assembly, and the right to live free from torture.

    Reframing the Narrative: From “Criminals” to Human Beings

    Recent Urdu news reports (linked below) have characterized these incidents as the “arrest of homosexual gangs” or the “busting of unethical networks.” We want to rephrase these events for what they truly are: The targeting of vulnerable citizens seeking connection.

    Where the local media says “FIA arrests gang involved in unethical activities,” we say: “State agencies target individuals seeking safe digital spaces for community building.” Where headlines scream “Homosexual network busted via mobile apps,” we recognize: “The state is violating the digital privacy of LGBTQI individuals to justify illegal detention.”

    We urge the Pakistani state to remember that the gay community in Pakistan consists of its own citizens—doctors, engineers, students, and workers—who deserve the same protection of law as any other individual.

    Call to Action

    We call upon human rights organizations, both local and international, to take notice of the FIA and NCCIA’s targeted campaign against the gay community in Pakistan. Privacy is a human right. Connection is a human right. Freedom from torture is a human right.

    To our community members: Please stay safe. Use high-quality VPNs, be cautious of who you meet via digital platforms, and know that PridePakistan.org continues to fight for your visibility and safety, even when the state tries to switch off our lights.

    References and News Archive

    The following reports document the recent surge in state actions against the community. We include these to show the scale of the crackdown, while condemning the derogatory language often used by these outlets:

    1. BBC Urdu: Crackdown on social media and dating apps
    2. Daily Pakistan: FIA actions against dating platform users
    3. Jang News: Reports on arrests related to digital networking
    4. City42: Police and FIA raids on community members
    5. Express News: Targeted arrests of gay individuals in major cities
    6. Googly News: The state’s focus on “Blue” apps and digital surveillance

  • Emergencies

    Emergencies

    At PridePakistan.org, we know that in moments of extreme crisis, whether you are facing physical violence, a forced marriage, or thoughts of self-harm—finding help can feel impossible. Please remember that our organization does not have its own rescue teams; we rely on these public services to keep you safe.

    CategoryServiceNumberWhy Contact This Number?
    Life & SafetyPolice Emergency15For immediate physical danger, theft, or assault.
    All-in-One RescueRescue 11221122Primary contact for ambulance, fire, or disaster rescue (Best in Punjab/KPK).
    Ambulance (NGO)Edhi Foundation115Reliable, nationwide medical transport.
    Ambulance (NGO)Chhipa1020Extremely fast emergency transport (Best in Karachi/Sindh).
    Ambulance (Private)Aman Ambulance1021Advanced life-support medical emergencies.
    Fire EmergencyFire Brigade16For active fire situations if 1122 is unavailable.
    Online SafetyFIA Cybercrime1991If you are being blackmailed, harassed online, or your private photos are being leaked.
    Human RightsMO Human Rights1099To report illegal confinement, forced marriage, or torture.
    Child SafetyChild Protection1121For those under 18 facing family violence or abuse.
    Mental HealthHumraaz (Govt)1166For suicide prevention and immediate psychological support.
    Security (Rural)Rangers1101For security assistance in areas where Rangers are active.
    Security (Border)Coast Guards1102For emergencies in coastal rural regions.

    🛡️ Your Safety Protocol

    In any emergency call to 15 or 1122, you do not need to disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity. Focus on the physical threat: State clearly if you are being attacked, if there is a medical emergency, or if you are being held against your will.

    • Privacy is protection: Keep your identity private during the initial call to ensure responders arrive quickly without bias.

    🚨 Emergency Contacts by Region

    While 1122 (Rescue) and 15 (Police) are the standard for most of Pakistan, here are the specific contacts for administrative and rural territories:

    Federal & Northern Territories

    • Islamabad (ICT): Police: 15 or (051) 9102108
      • Rescue/Ambulance: 1122
    • Gilgit-Baltistan (GB): Police: 15
      • Rescue 1122: Active in major districts like Gilgit and Skardu.
    • Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK): Police: 15
      • Rescue 1122: Dial 1122 for ambulance and disaster relief.

    Rural and Border Area Assistance (Army/Paramilitary)

    In remote or rural areas where police presence may be thin, these paramilitary forces often provide security:

    • Rangers (Sindh/Punjab): 1101
    • Frontier Corps (KPK/Balochistan): Contact local checkposts or dial 1122 to be routed to the nearest security assistance.
    • Coast Guards (Coastal Rural areas): 1102

    👮 Tahafuz Centers & Specialized Police Support

    If you feel you must disclose your queer identity to seek protection, we recommend visiting a Tahafuz Center (Protection Center). These are specialized desks within police stations designed to support marginalized groups.

    While these desks are specifically for transgender individuals, the officers there are often trained to be more empathetic. You may find it safer to speak with a Transgender Police Officer about your situation than a regular officer.

    • Rawalpindi: Tahafuz Center, Police Lines HQ.
      • Contact: (051) 9292675
    • Lahore: Multiple “Meesaq” and “Tahafuz” centers (e.g., Liberty Khidmat Markaz).
    • Multan: Tahafuz Center at Police Lines Multan.
    • Karachi: Gender Protection Unit at various Model Police Stations.

    Advice: When approaching these centers, you can ask to speak specifically with the Transgender Victim Support Officer (TVSO). While you may be gay or lesbian, these officers are your best chance for a non-judgmental hearing within the police system.

    ⚖️ Human Rights & Child Protection

    If your rights are being violated by your family (forced marriage, conversion therapy, or confinement), use these official oversight numbers:

    • Ministry of Human Rights Helpline: 1099 (National)
    • Child Protection & Welfare (For those under 18): 1121
    • FIA Cybercrime (Blackmailing/Online Harassment): 1991

    💚 Mental Health & Suicidal Thoughts

    If the psychological pressure of forced marriage or family stigma feels unbearable, please do not give up. You are loved, and your life has immense value. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit our dedicated support section immediately for professional, discreet help:

    CLICK HERE FOR PRIDEPAKISTAN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

    Direct Helplines for Crisis:

    • Humraaz (Govt Mental Health): 1166
    • Taskeen Helpline: 0316-8275336
    • Umang Suicide Prevention: 0311-7786264

    📝 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 EMERGENCY SERVICE DISCRIMINATION

    https://forms.gle/WoFG466RTBB44PXg9

  • Our Founder Ali Raza Khan Joins Regional Call to Decriminalize Sex Work

    Our Founder Ali Raza Khan Joins Regional Call to Decriminalize Sex Work

    At Pride Pakistan, our mission has always been to advocate for the most marginalized voices within our community. This year, for the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, our founder Ali Raza Khan joined the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) in a landmark regional campaign.

    Speaking as a gay sex worker from Pakistan, Ali highlighted a truth that is often silenced: in our patriarchal society, the criminalization of sex work doesn’t “protect” anyone—it actively facilitates violence, particularly against Male Sex Workers (MSWs) and Men who have sex with men (MSM).

    The Invisible Crisis: Male Sex Workers in Pakistan

    In Pakistan, the discussion around sex work is often limited to female workers, leaving MSWs in a state of extreme vulnerability. According to recent data, the numbers and the risks are staggering:

    • Population Estimates: UNAIDS estimates there are approximately 832,200 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pakistan, a significant portion of whom engage in sex work for survival or livelihood (UNAIDS, 2024).
    • HIV Vulnerability: While the national HIV prevalence in the general population is low, it is disproportionately high among key populations. Men constitute 69.4% of new HIV cases reported in 2024, often due to a lack of access to safe working conditions and health services (The News International/Ministry of Health, 2024).
    • Systemic Violence: Research shows that criminalization drives sex work underground, making it nearly impossible for MSWs to report violence. A 2025 Global Torture Index report classifies Pakistan as “high risk,” noting that police regularly employ torture and extortion against vulnerable individuals, including LGBTQIA+ and sex-working communities (OMCT, 2025).

    Why Decriminalization is the Only Path Forward

    Criminalization creates a “culture of impunity.” When a male sex worker is robbed, beaten, or extorted, he cannot go to the police because the law views him as the criminal. This allows perpetrators—including state actors—to target our community without fear of consequence.

    Decriminalization is not just a legal shift; it is a life-saving intervention. It allows for:

    1. Access to Justice: The ability to report crimes without fear of arrest.
    2. Health Rights: Improved access to HIV prevention, ART, and mental health support.
    3. Workplace Safety: The ability to negotiate safe sex and refuse dangerous clients.

    Official Statement from PridePakistan.org

    “On this International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, Pride Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with sex workers of all genders. We recognize sex work as work and demand an immediate end to the criminalization that fuels the torture and humiliation of our community members.

    We call upon the Government of Pakistan to align with international human rights standards and recognize that you cannot end violence while you continue to criminalize the victims. Safety, dignity, and healthcare are human rights—not privileges to be revoked based on how one earns a living.”

    You can watch the regional solidarity video featuring Ali Raza Khan on the APNSW Facebook Page

    Youtube Page: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers – YouTube

    or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSW1WqHjfGw/

    and join the conversation using the hashtags below.

    #PridePakistan #EndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers #DecriminalizeSexWork #MSWRights #SexWorkIsWork

    References:

    1. UNAIDS Pakistan Data (2024–2025)

    • Link: UNAIDS Pakistan Country Page
    • Key Detail: Provides the estimate of 832,200 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pakistan and tracks the “fastest-growing HIV epidemic” in the region.

    2. Global Torture Index 2025 (OMCT)

    3. WHO & Ministry of Health Reports (2024–2025)

    4. APNSW Regional Campaign

    5. Human Rights Watch / Amnesty International (2025)

    Further Reading & References:

  • Gay Shelter and temporary housing in Pakistan ?

    Gay Shelter and temporary housing in Pakistan ?

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

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

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

    Safety notes before you go

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

    Trans-led and general shelter leads

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

    Islamabad

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

    Lahore

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

    Karachi

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

    Peshawar

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

    Rawalpindi

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

    Faisalabad

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

    Multan

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

    Bahawalpur

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

    Hyderabad (Sindh)

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

    Sukkur

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

    Quetta

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

    Gilgit

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

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

    What PridePakistan.org can do

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

    Using shelters safely

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

    Important disclaimer

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

    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

  • Asylum Seeking

    Asylum Seeking

    What is Asylum?

    Asylum is a form of international protection granted by a country to people who have fled their home due to persecution, violence, or serious harm. It allows them to remain safely in another country and protects them from being sent back to danger UNHCR esplawyers.com.

    Key elements of asylum include:

    • Protection from return (non-refoulement)
    • Permission to stay in the host country
    • Access to basic rights and humane treatment

    Who is Eligible?

    You may be eligible for asylum if you have a well‑founded fear of persecution based on:

    • Race or ethnicity
    • Religion or belief
    • Nationality
    • Political opinion
    • Membership in a particular social group (including LGBTQI identity) UNHCR esplawyers.com

    However, due to changing anti‑immigrant policies worldwide, many people who meet these criteria are still denied asylum. This makes professional legal advice essential.

    Important Clarification

    • You cannot apply for asylum while in Pakistan.
      Asylum applications are only possible once you are physically present in another country where you seek protection UNHCR.
    • If you are considering asylum, contact qualified lawyers or refugee support organisations immediately after arriving in a country of asylum.

    Global Organisations & Resources

    Here are trusted organisations and official pages offering guidance on asylum applications in different countries:

    🌐 Country Guides

    CountryResource
    AustraliaAustralian Red Cross / RACS
    United KingdomGOV.UK Claim Asylum / Rainbow Migration
    SwitzerlandState Secretariat for Migration
    FranceService95 list of organisations
    GermanyUNHCR Germany Help Page
    CanadaUNHCR Canada Help Page
    United StatesAmerican Immigration Council / Human Rights First
    BrazilUNHCR Brazil Help Page
    South AfricaUNHCR Southern Africa Help Page

    👉 For a full global directory, see the UNHCR regional support pages.

    Special Note for Afghan LGBTQI Asylum Seekers

    Pakistan does not provide asylum, and many Afghan refugees are currently being deported back to Afghanistan, where LGBTQI people face extreme persecution.

    If you are Afghan and LGBTQI:

    Final Reminder

    • Always seek professional legal advice once you are in a country where asylum is possible.
    • Do not delay your application—waiting can reduce your chances of success.
    • Stay informed through trusted NGOs and UNHCR resources.

    🚨 Risks & Safeguards

    • Changing anti‑immigrant stances: Many governments are tightening asylum rules, making professional legal advice essential.
    • Documentation: Applicants must provide as much evidence as possible (testimonies, documents, proof of persecution).
    • Legal support: NGOs and refugee councils often provide free or low‑cost legal assistance to strengthen applications.

    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

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