KARACHI:
The Khawaja Sira (transgender) community celebrated the Hijra Festival 2025 on Saturday at Burns Garden with a vibrant rally that captured both the cultural and political aspirations of the community. Transgender people and their supporters turned out in huge numbers to demand recognition, respect, and the right to equal opportunities in society.
The rally at Burns Garden, was filled with energy as participants danced and raised their voices in support of their demands. The procession culminated at the festival venue, where speeches, performances, and calls for solidarity echoed throughout the day. This year’s event marked the third annual Hijra Festival, which has steadily gained momentum as a platform for both celebration and advocacy.
Community leader Kami Chaudhry said that while the transgender community is an integral part of society, they continue to face systemic marginalisation. “We are citizens of this country, yet we are not treated as such. We face discrimination, and our basic rights, including employment opportunities, are denied,” Chaudhry said.
She reaffirmed that despite these challenges, the Hijra Festival has once again proved to be a successful event, providing a sense of unity and strength to the community. The theme of this year’s festival was focused on environmental protection, a cause the transgender community is deeply invested in, recognising that environmental destruction also impacts them.
“We stand for our identity, our dignity, and our freedom, and we also stand for the protection of our environment,” said Dr Sarah Gill, a prominent transgender rights advocate. “Environmental harm affects everyone, including the Khawaja Sira community, and we must unite in our efforts to preserve our land,” she added, urging citizens to plant trees and contribute to environmental conservation.
The Hijra Festival not only served as a day of joy but also highlighted the pressing issues faced by the community.
The community called for the implementation of job quotas, inclusion in disaster relief, housing, and healthcare programs, as well as immediate legislation for reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies for transgender representatives.
The Hijra Festival brought together trans persons from across Pakistan to showcase their artistic talents and demand dignity, equality, and justice. Banners read: “We want freedom” and “Change the clapÂ… the mindset will change too.” Community leader Bindia Rana pledged continued peaceful struggle for rights and thanked police for swift action against recent violence. Labour activist Nasir Mansoor called the festival both joyful and urgent, highlighting the Khawaja Sira community’s need for legal protection. Educationist Dr Riaz Sheikh emphasized empowerment through education, while politician Saadia Chaudhry vowed to raise trans issues on political platforms.
