Hijra Festival to be held in Karachi on Nov 9

The transgender community in Karachi has announced the second Hijra Festival on November 9 at Frere Hall.

At the Karachi Press Club, Dr Sarah Gill, Bindya Rana, and others held a press conference. Dr Sarah Gill stated that this year’s theme for the Hijra Festival is “The Identity of Transgender People.”

She announced that the Hijra Festival will be held on November 9 at Karachi’s Frere Hall, and a rally will be organised before the festival’s commencement.

Bindya Rana said that through the festival, they will also present their demands to the government, including the allocation of employment quotas for transgender individuals.

The festival’s agenda also inc­l­­udes calling on the government to ensure transgender rig­hts and to protect their identities.

“There is no question that reforms in social and human rig­hts policies are essential, par­ticularly those that address the needs and demands of the trans­gender community,” they added.

The activists emphasized that their festival was not against anyone. “It will be a peaceful event, with complete adherence to laws and ethical values. Our goal is to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence in society,” they said.

The festival demands equal rights, identity recognition, and protection of the life and empowerment of transgender individuals.

They further explained the festival not only provides an occasion to celebrate but also reaffirms the community’s commitment to its ongoing struggle for rights.

“On this day, we also honor our late transgender members who worked tirelessly for the welfare and rights of the community, offering prayers for their souls.”

The festival will be a vibrant affair filled with traditional fair activities and colors, the orga­n­isers said, adding that trans­gender artists would showcase their talents, and there would also be food stalls and other att­r­actions to entertain attendees.