Saudi Arabia asked to release Pakistani transgender persons

E-Paper | March 12, 2026

PESHAWAR: The TransAction Alliance and other civil society organisations have expressed grave concerns over arrest of 35 transgender persons in Saudi Arabia and urged the Saudi government to release the details so that their families could take necessary steps for their release.

Addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Monday, TransAction Alliance provincial president Farzana Jan shared details about arrest of the transgender persons and death of two of them in police custody in Saudi Arabia.

“We want to know the details, under what charges the people have been arrested, what is their medical condition and if they are alive,” she said and added that she had received information about death of two transgender persons in police custody but no one knew where their bodies were.

Farzana said that her organisation would receive the bodies of the two transgender persons if they were not buried in Saudi Arabia. She demanded of the Saudi government to release the detained persons on humanitarian grounds.

TransAction Alliance chief says two of arrested persons died in custody of Saudi police

Farzana said that a group of transgender persons gathered on February 26 in Riyadh for a meeting when personnel Azizia police station picked them. They were packed into sacks and thrashed with sticks by police as a result two of them, Amina from Swat and Menno from Peshawar, died, she added.

Flanked by rights activist Qamar Naseem, Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network coordination Taimur Kamal, she that she was ready to share the details about the transgender community in Saudi Arabia only to National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) Pakistan and Senator Farhatullah Babar, member of Senate committee on amalgamated persons, because the information could put lives of relevant persons at risk in Saudi Arabia.

Farzana said that the arrested persons should be presented to a court of law if they were involved in any kind of crime.

Nobody deserved to be punished for gender identity, she added.

She said that the 35 arrested persons belonged to various parts of Pakistan including Karachi, Sargodha, Charsadda, Peshawar and Mardan.

Speaking on the occasion, Qamar Naseem said that representatives of civil society organisations would hold meeting with Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, adviser to chief minister and officials of human rights department to apprise them of the problems of transgender persons.

Taimur Kamal asked officials of directorate of human rights to take notice of the issue and play role in release of the transgender persons from Saudi prison.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2017

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Salman Ahmad

Mar 07, 2017 11:02am

While am 100 % with Farzana Jan - WE ALL know the kind of rules, regulations and laws the Saudi Government has and they will not change it for obvious reasons. WHY don't we learn and not give them a chance ??? Also, looking at the situation in the gulf, KSA is only in peace because of its strictness (even if its biased). I think WE or any other community should be more responsible while living in the Kingdom. Don't mess with their rules and no one will touch you. I have lived most of my life here and I know the situation on the ground.

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an observer

Mar 07, 2017 11:15am

Why our PM who is so close to Saudi government is not saying any thing.

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Ahmed bin Babar

Mar 07, 2017 11:29am

Inhumane indeed...

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Khanm

Mar 07, 2017 11:43am

@Salman Ahmad ..Nature chooses who will be transgender; individuals don't choose this.

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The end is near

Mar 07, 2017 11:46am

May be those Pakistani transgenders don't have proper Saudi visa and valid reason to stay in Saudia. It's not like our country Pakistan where Afghanis can live illegally without getting caught or with Fake NIC's. This is Saudia and they have strict rules and regulations.

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MAS

Mar 07, 2017 11:53am

Transgenders should be educated and trained, so that they become useful citizens rather than dancing and other immoral activities. So far there are playing negative role in society.

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Mar 07, 2017 11:57am

@Khanm: Dear, Salman is referring the meeting/gathering etc without any prior notification or permission. And, not being transgenders or Pakistanis. Especially after the Yemen issue, the rules are on high alert...

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Vasan

Mar 07, 2017 12:03pm

In most countries Transgenders are treated as criminals. If they have given recognition and respect, they can be good makeup artists, dancers, waitress at restaurants, and any other job involves creativity, and service. I am wondering how 35 of them went to Saudi, which is a unsafe country for transgenders.

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Mian M Amin(Old Ravian)

Mar 07, 2017 12:05pm

What were they doing in the KSA ? Who gave them visas ? If they held valid visas and had disclosed the true identity ,there is no reason ,lawful ground for their arrests .And where is our Mission staff ?

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bryan

Mar 07, 2017 12:13pm

Of all the nations in GCC I lived in Saudia is the toughest. If one works in Aramco then the world is a different place. If the skin colour is brown or black then life is tough. We ve seen how Saudis come over the bridge to Bahrain on weekends and party and go back pious! How the religious police whacks poor bangladeshis and sri lankans and others during ramadaan for having food. Construction workers need to be hydrated and eat something in that hot sun. Life is much better in other GCC nations.

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yusufkhan

Mar 07, 2017 12:31pm

One should not turn into an inhuman beast at the name of transgenders. A transgender might be born into your family as your sibling. Now tell me is he guilty for this. Saudis are infamous for inhuman activities that is the reason they are torturing innocent creatures of God. All sane people must support all transgenders trapped in KSA.

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dr mustafa

Mar 07, 2017 12:38pm

@Salman Ahmad does that give Saudi government right to kill innocent people just on the basis of appearance. stop apologizing for their crimes.

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naqeeb

Mar 07, 2017 12:42pm

Transgender's reputation is not good in gulf countries, I'm sorry to say. They must have done something against KSA law and should be dealt accordingly.

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M. IRFaN

Mar 07, 2017 12:46pm

@naqeeb and what wrong as per saudi law they could have done to die in police custody? Any idea.

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Saif Zulfiqar

Mar 07, 2017 12:56pm

People should stop going to work in Saudi Arabia.

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SAEED MASOOD

Mar 07, 2017 12:53pm

Shameful criminal act , they should be punished.

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naqeeb

Mar 07, 2017 01:02pm

@M. IRFaN , KSA already denied that the person died in police custody, just fyi

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timetostopthis

Mar 07, 2017 01:05pm

@Vasan In no civilised country is a transgender treated as a criminal. Looks like you don't read any of the international papers.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 07, 2017 01:34pm

"Farzana said that a group of transgender persons gathered on February 26 in Riyadh" Why they gathered for a meeting in Riyadh, were they Saudis, what was the agenda for this meeting.

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anees zed

Mar 07, 2017 01:44pm

What the hell were transgenders doing there?

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Ouzzy

Mar 07, 2017 01:51pm

@timetostopthis you carry on reading newspapers while ignoring ground reality. Come here to the uk and see how trans are teeated.

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Ouzzy

Mar 07, 2017 01:49pm

@Khanm really?, nature or you mean a persons inability to control whims and desires. Be real.

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Mas

Mar 07, 2017 02:17pm

@Saif Zulfiqar People should stop Doing CRIMES in Saudi Arabia.

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Gerry D'Cunha

Mar 07, 2017 02:19pm

Saudi government only take instructions from West and America. Other countries in their eyes are down graded and refuse to carry their views or orders.

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Mar 07, 2017 02:46pm

People who have no choice and have to work under great compulsion may go there otherwise no one should enter the country because things are not normal in KSA.

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Wasif

Mar 07, 2017 02:54pm

@MAS 100% agree in Thailand and Malaysia they go to university and do respected jobs.

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khalid Yousafzai (UK)

Mar 07, 2017 02:59pm

@Saif Zulfiqar agreed, But our leaders are rich and work in Pakistan to become richer, On the other hand our poor people want to work hard in other countries to earn money

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concern

Mar 07, 2017 03:00pm

Enter at your own risk- It is KSA.

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MARXIST

Mar 07, 2017 03:07pm

@ Salman Ahmad......KSA is NOT in peace because of its strictness ......BUT.... BECAUSE UNCLE SAM is taking care of its security.....!!!!!!!

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Salman Ahmad

Mar 07, 2017 03:09pm

@dr mustafa 1, I did not apologize for their crimes. I just live here and am not their Ambassador. 2. It does not give Saudi Arabia the right to kill and beat anyone BUT, all am saying is ITS THEIR COUNTRY .... and THEIR LAWS .... WE SHOULD ABIDE and FOLLOW ..... It isn't Pakistan where EVERY HOUSE has its own LAWS ... Paleeez guys .... READ before you start bashing at me

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Salman Ahmad

Mar 07, 2017 03:13pm

@Abdulla Hussain Thank you very much Brother Abdulla. Just glad to see someone understood my point in the first comment on this post. THAT is what I was trying to say but apparently our people are just too hot-headed to even listen to some logic. No wonder our beloved country is in the condition that it is ....

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Mar 07, 2017 03:14pm

Unfortunately, the "movers and shakers" in Islamabad led by the two bald brothers are actualy dancing at the tunes of these so-called Saudees, Emirataees, Qatarees, Omanees, Kuwaitees and Bahrainees for reasons elaboration on which is beyond the scope, size and design of this short comments section of the great DAWN forum. Therefore, it is highly illogical and grossly uncalled for to expect even an iota of a condemnation note or statement against them from the "ruling class" in Islamabad pertaining to the recent maltreatment, illegal arrests, beating and killing of transgender Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia or any of these so-called G.C.C. countries, where they call all Pakistanis as "Rafeeqs" and Americans, Europeans and other Caucasians as "Siddiques" in their societies at large. What a silly joke?

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Salman Ahmad

Mar 07, 2017 03:13pm

@MARXIST That's what yall think man ... that's what yall thing .... I wont comment further .... I have seen the reaction of my countrymen when all I talked about was pure sense "NOT DOING SOMETHING SOMEWHERE IT ISNT ALLOWED" ... but I Guess that's the ONLY Thing we Pakistanis specialize is .... Thanks to all of you ... Just disgusted by some reactions here I swear.

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Bilkish Ali

Mar 07, 2017 03:57pm

@anees zed ask this to the organizers, the custom people who let them enter the country

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hasan

Mar 07, 2017 03:55pm

Sad for our sleeping government,

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Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a

Mar 07, 2017 03:58pm

@Salman Ahmad While am 100 % with FarzSALMAN AHMAD "I have lived most of my life here and I know the situation on the ground."The situation on the ground is, what is not unknown to the whole civilized world, that it is a brutal society with rules of jungle that has no respect for human rights, women's rights, justice, equality and freedom of any kind. It is ruled by the most brutally autocratic monarchy of the world.They will very soon have the same end of Saddam & Qaddafi.

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Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a

Mar 07, 2017 04:03pm

@Khanm Ansolutely true but well beyond the gentleman you are addressing.

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Alik

Mar 07, 2017 04:04pm

Were these people arrested just because of their gender. I don't think that's the reason. Can someone confirm?

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Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a

Mar 07, 2017 04:07pm

@The end is near "This is Saudia and they have strict rules and regulations." And the strict rules are to brutalize and persecute people, women, journalists and minorities and above all spread terrorism in the world.

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naji

Mar 07, 2017 04:09pm

I am in surprise that who are creating these types of conflicts between Pakistan and KSA. Saudi Arabia is a great country, not only because of Muslim holy places but because of their rules and regulations.

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M.Saeed

Mar 07, 2017 04:10pm

Why were they in Saudi Arabia and for what purpose? Being transgender is not by choice or action. That is a natural phenomenon which is everywhere and Saudia is no exception. There must be other reasons which must be made known for saving recurrence of such incidents.

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Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a

Mar 07, 2017 04:15pm

@Mas "People should stop Doing CRIMES in Saudi Arabia." Yes, in Saudi Arabia only the Saudi monarchy has the absolute right to commit crimes against humanity uncontested by anyone and if anyone violates this basic law of monopoly he is to be condemned to death without any trial. Period

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Gerry D'Cunha

Mar 07, 2017 04:38pm

@Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a I fully agree with your comments and as you say,they will have the same end as Saddam and Qaddafi once their interest with America and West finishes.

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Sohail

Mar 07, 2017 05:05pm

Our government should grow some pride and self respect and demand the Saudis release our citizens or else

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Asif khan

Mar 07, 2017 05:28pm

@Khanm there is a difference between transgender and intersex. People choose to live as transgender but intersex people are born that way. Please refer to a good dictionary before making false claims.

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zubaida Khan

Mar 07, 2017 05:31pm

@The end is near does it mean that they can be killed?

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Mohammad Ali bajwa

Mar 07, 2017 05:36pm

Possibly they could be at a remote desert area where no communication is available.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 07, 2017 05:53pm

If these transgenders were meeting in Riyadh other than for ordinary issues then the Saudi authorities has the right come on them with heavy hands. Transgenders should understand the consequences of messing in foreign countries and that too in KSA.

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Khanm

Mar 07, 2017 05:54pm

@Syed zafar kazmi u.s.a ... Glad at least some one understood..Saying it ain’t fair, over and over again while you stand in front of a wrecking ball is kinda senseless, I think

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Faisal

Mar 07, 2017 06:34pm

@MAS They have to dance and sing because no one gives them employment. It's the society's fault.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 07, 2017 06:48pm

@M.Saeed: Please read the Saudi version of the story these transgenders were partying in their usual way.

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Romm

Mar 07, 2017 07:39pm

@The end is near In Pakistan, When Illegal Aghans are arrested, within 24 hrs , they are produced in front of Magistrate for the Legal proceedings. Whereas these Trnasgenders are Missing.

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Ali

Mar 07, 2017 07:50pm

@an observer that IS the reason. He was in exile there and OWES his life to them not to the Pakistanis.

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Ali

Mar 07, 2017 07:51pm

@MAS I agree with most of your statement but I am amused by the use of the word immoral. It implies that educated people behave morally!

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Khanm

Mar 07, 2017 11:37pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad develop your positive identity..Have self respect and quit worshiping money and ill acquired power by your own leadership...

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Vasan

Mar 08, 2017 08:28am

@timetostopthis You are true. I don't know about Pakistan frankly, I had no chance to visit Pakistan yet, but i will come one day. But in India, they are considered as holy, and they come to wish your business in group on daily basis and ask money, but they keep begging in streets, at least they harass passengers in train for money, also begging in traffic signals. Normally if you look at them, you are forced to pay some money. So, people try to avoid them. At least they don't offer sex on the streets, also they are living a separate community hiding somewhere. But, country like Thailand, mostly are into sex trade, but in separate zones. Especially in holiday spot like Pattaya, there are a lot roaming around. They are also considered criminals by police, they con the customers to sex, and they run away with valuables. They are also into street violence, robbery and chased away by locals. But some are doing good jobs as makeup artists, tv show hosts, and working.

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