Transgender person killed, another wounded in Peshawar attack

A transgender person was shot dead while another was injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire

PESHAWAR: A transgender person was shot dead while another was injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire near Raja Ground Bridge in Peshawar on Thursday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Mishal, also known as Mishi, while the injured victim, identified as Baseer, also known as Tara, was shifted to hospital for medical treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds.

According to preliminary police investigations, the two transgender persons had gone to meet an acquaintance to recover a mobile phone and some money. An argument reportedly broke out during the meeting, which escalated into gunfire.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Chamkani Police Station. Police teams rushed to the scene after receiving information about the shooting and shifted the body to a hospital for a post-mortem examination. Investigators also collected forensic evidence from the crime scene to assist in the investigation.

Authorities have launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack. A special investigation team headed by the Superintendent of Police (Rural Division) has been formed to identify and arrest the suspects, who fled the scene after the shooting.

The killing drew strong condemnation from members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s transgender community.

Arzoo Khan, President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transgender Community and Executive Director of the Manzil Foundation, described the incident as deeply alarming and called for immediate action against those responsible.

She said repeated attacks on transgender persons were unacceptable and urged police to arrest the suspects without delay. She also appealed to the provincial government to ensure a transparent investigation and provide justice to the victims.

Arzoo Khan further called on the authorities to introduce stronger security measures for transgender individuals, saying the community continues to face violence, discrimination and insecurity. She stressed that effective steps are needed to end the culture of impunity and ensure the safety and equal protection of transgender citizens under the law.