Yesterday, the khwaja sira community in Karachi, alongside their supporters, held a protest against the targeted string of attacks and attempted rape cases against the community. These attacks are carried out by an organized crime syndicate known as beelas, who target khwaja siras, trans-bodies, young boys, and also carry out planned gang-rapes of women.
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The protest arranged by the khwaja sira community took place on September 24th, outside Karachi Press Club.
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Dr. Muhammad Moiz, a khwaja sira public health worker and comedian, took to Instagram to address a recent attack against them and their disciple, Firdous.
On September 19, around 1:40 AM, Dr. Moiz and Firdous were attacked at the site of a birthday party. As detailed by Dr. Moiz, the groip of men called beelas identified Dr. Moiz and Firdous. The attackers lunged at the car in an attempt to attack and sexually assault the two, punching Dr. Moiz in the face.
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At the same time, others tried to drag Dr. Moiz out of the car, tearing their shirt in the process. However, Dr. Moiz fought back. The onslaught continued for the next ten minutes. Meanwhile, many beelas jumped over the wall at the location, breaking into the party.
A few minutes later, the police arrived and entered the farmhouse alongside Dr. Moiz. Upon seeing this, many assaulters fled the scene.
Dr. Moiz shared a recording of a beela leader, discussing where the assailants were likely to meet before the assault at the farmhouse.
The audio continues, indicating that the crime wasn’t spontaneous but uniquely organized in which all the assailants kept in touch.
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As a result, Dr. Moiz and members of the khwaja sira community have penned several demands from the citizenry and the State, including adequate healthcare for the community, respect, and arrest of the beelas to prevent further savagery against the community.
For further information regarding the existence and roots of beela culture, Dr. Moiz and Firdous shed light on the same on their podcast, #StonedAlive.
Amongst others, the community also demands a representation of the community at national and provincial levels, construction of safe houses for the community that is run by the community to ensure their needs are adequately met.
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Last but not the least, Dr. Moiz advises the nation of Pakistan to “disarm” such people who are executing such brutality against khwaja sira and trans-feminine members of the community.
The protest was as historic as it was important. Member from within the community showed up in support, and many others turned up to express solidarity.
Cover image via unrelentlesslyyours/Instagram, sajeershaikh/Instagram