"We Don't Have Any Honor Because We Are Khwaja Sira" Police Violence and Discrimination Against the Khwaja Sira Community in Swat, Pakistan

Background: This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of police violence and discriminatory policing practices against the khwaja sira community, also known as a “third gender” in South Asia. Khwaja sira individuals encounter discrimination, humiliation, and gender-based violence within police precincts, reflecting their vulnerability to police violence and abuse exacerbated by the political and cultural context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gender identity intersects with socioeconomic factors to influence the nature of interactions between khwaja sira and the police, particularly regarding experiences of violence and discrimination. Using Standpoint Theory, the present study examines khwaja sira’s experiences with police violence and discrimination in Mingora, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We specifically aim to address two research questions: (1) How do khwaja sira interact with the police in Swat, Pakistan? (2) How do khwaja sira perceive law enforcement services offered by the police?

Methods: Through purposive sampling, we recruited 45 khwaja sira individuals from Swat, Pakistan, for in-depth interviews focusing on their interactions with law enforcement. Inclusion criteria included self-identification as khwaja sira, residency in Mingora, Swat, over 18 years of age, and proficient in Pashto. Using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis approach, we analyzed the significance of khwaja sira’s lived experiences with the police. Interviews were translated into English from Pahsto, proofread for translation accuracy, and imported into Dedoose software version 9.0 for initial code identification and theme development. An iterative coding process was adopted, with discussions in team meetings and validation by peers, methodological experts, and local khwaja sira activists. Rigorous data analysis adhered to established trustworthiness criteria, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity.

Results: The lived experiences of khwaja sira in Mingora, Pakistan, revealed two primary themes: (1) the enduring prevalence of various forms of police violence; and (2) the challenges associated with navigating abuses of policing authority. Subthemes identified under the first theme encompassed physical violence, verbal abuse, sexual assault, and financial exploitation. Additionally, participants described instances of discrimination within police interactions, the reluctance of law enforcement to file First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding offenses against khwaja sira, and the inequitable treatment they faced due to their involvement in sex work. This prevalent pattern has rendered the khwaja sira community vulnerable to violence from both law enforcement officials and other legal entities. Consequently, khwaja sira resort to engaging in risky behaviors to evade police encounters and potential arrests, thereby exacerbating their marginalization.

Discussion: The study underscores the need for addressing institutional and structural factors underscoring police violence against khwaja sira. Securing police protection for the khwaja sira community faces challenges due to societal inequalities. Ensuring that law enforcement providers are adequately trained in working with third gender people is vital. Integrating khwaja sira into roles as social service providers to assist khwaja sira survivors of violence can help reduce further discrimination and violence.