A police official in Bahawalpur was suspended following a protest by members of the transgender community against alleged harassment and intimidation by members of law enforcement on Wednesday.

The protesters alleged that police in Ahmadpur Sharqia intimidate and threaten members of the transgender community who perform at wedding events.

The police were accused of threatening to register false cases against members of the transgender community, and of arresting them if they did not submit to their threats.

The protesters also alleged that members of the police force mistreated them in public, and appealed to the regional police officer and district police officer (DPO) for help.

Consequently, DPO Dr Akhtar Abbas suspended Sub-Inspector Raees Ahmed for irresponsible behaviour and promised protection to the transgender community.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing in action
17 Mar, 2026

Missing in action

NOT exactly known for playing a proactive role in protecting the interests of Muslim nations and populations...
Risk to stability
Updated 17 Mar, 2026

Risk to stability

THE risks to Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery from the US-Israel war on Iran cannot be dismissed. Yet the...
Enrolment push
17 Mar, 2026

Enrolment push

THE federal government has embarked upon the welcome initiative to enrol 25,000 out-of-school children in Islamabad...
Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
Updated 16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....