On Friday, a case was filed against unknown assailants for attacking Pakistan’s first transgender news anchor, who had survived a gun attack in Lahore the day before.
Marvia was attacked by two gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire on her as she returned home from a pharmacy in the Lahore Cantonment area.
Marvia, the complainant, stated that she was receiving death threats via phone calls from unknown people after sharing her thoughts on a bill seeking changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018.
Last year in September, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) said that the law is “not in line with the Shariah”, as “several of its provisions are inconsistent with Islamic principles.
In a notification, the CII warned that the Transgender Persons Act could create “new social problems,” and asked the government to form a committee to review transgender law. It went on to say that the committee should be made up of CII members, religious scholars, and legal and medical experts.
According to Marvia’s first information report (FIR), two suspects opened fire on her on the night of February 23, but she escaped unharmed.
The trans anchor person has left her home and relocated outside of Lahore to ensure her safety.
Marvia declared herself an example for everyone, not just the country’s transgender community, in an interview with Geo News a few years ago.
“I am an example for everyone including my own community. If transpersons can make a place for themselves in fashion or media [industries], then they are important in other fields too,” she said.
Marvia went on to say that her example sends a message of peace and raises awareness in the country. The news anchor attended journalism school and later worked as a make-up artist in the fashion industry. Before entering the media industry, she dabbled in theatre.
Marvia’s family was not encouraging when she decided to make her mark in society; in fact, they tortured her and forced her to stay at home. Malik, on the other hand, paid no attention and pursued her dreams.
She also expressed regret that when transgender people are evicted from their homes, they have no choice but to beg on the streets.
