Pakistan

Marvia Malik, Pakistan’s first-ever transgender TV anchor, escapes gun attack

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

A case was registered on Friday against unknown assailants for attacking Pakistan’s first-ever transgender news anchor after she survived a gun attack in Lahore a day earlier.

Marvia was attacked by two gunmen — who opened indiscriminate fire on her — when she was returning to her home in the Lahore Cantonment area from a pharmacy.

As the complainant, Marvia said that she was receiving death threats from unknown people via phone calls after sharing her opinions 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.

The CII, in a notification, warned that the Transgender Persons Act may lead to “new social problems” and asked the government to form a committee to review the law related to the transgender community. It added that the committee should include CII members, religious scholars, and legal and medical experts.

According to Marvia’s first information report (FIR), two suspects opened fire on the anchor on the night of February 23, however, she luckily survived the attack.

To ensure her safety, the trans anchor person has left her home and has shifted outside Lahore.

A few years ago, Marvia — in an interview with Geo News — deemed herself an example for everyone and not just the country’s transgender community.

“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 further said her example gives the message of peace and raises awareness in the country. The news anchor pursued higher education in journalism and later began her career as a make-up artist in the fashion industry. She also dabbled in theatre before joining the media industry.

When Marvia decided to make her mark in society, her family was not encouraging, in fact, they tortured her and forced her to sit at home. However, Malik did not pay heed and pursued her dreams.

She also lamented that when transpersons are thrown out of their homes, they have no other option but to beg on the streets.

Latest News

Celebrations on March 23: A Limited-Scale Pakistan Day Parade

Published

6 days ago

Bilal

On March 23, a limited-scale, traditionally enthusiastic Pakistan Day Parade will take place on the grounds of President House.

Sources claim that because of the holy month of Ramadan, the decision was made to celebrate the day on a small scale. Nonetheless, Full Force will march in the parade with contingents from all three branches of the military.

The ceremony’s chief guest will be President Asif Ali Zardari.

In front of the President House, Pakistan Air Force fighter jets will fly past, and military personnel will salute the Chief Guest.

The ceremony is open to dignitaries, including foreign ambassadors.

Latest News

FIA Requests Data on 11 Individuals from PTA in Action Against Sugar Mafia

Published

7 days ago

Bilal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged the sugar mafia, prompting the federal investigation agency to request data on 11 individuals from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to initiate action against them.

Anti Corruption circle of FIA was activated in the wake of notice by prime minister for illegal purchase and sale of sugar which includes businessmen and mill owners.

Latest News

PTI and JUI (Sherani) decide to proceed by consensus.

Published

1 month ago

Farwa

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Sherani) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to proceed together.

Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, the leader of JUI (Sherani), met with Barrister Dr. Saif, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Advisor.

The conference also included former senator Aslam Buledi and former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani.

The discussion focused on promoting reconciliation, political cooperation, and collective progress in the country. In addition, Barrister Dr. Saif read Fatiha and expressed sympathy for Maulana Sherani’s wife’s demise.

Barrister Saif recognized Maulana Sherani as a respected religious and political person, a senior member of parliament, and an expert in constitutional law during the meeting. He said that Maulana Sherani’s services are greatly valued by PTI founder Imran Khan and the party, and they hope he will play an active role in promoting trust, cooperation, and national reconciliation.

Maulana Sherani was invited to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by Barrister Saif on behalf of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani emphasized the importance of reconciliation in guiding the nation away from conflict and proposed that Muhammad Ali Durrani be instrumental in promoting this process.