In a bizarre move, lawmen have restricted members of the transgender community from leaving their homes after 12 o'clock at night in Balochistan’s capital Quetta.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the SHO at the Quetta Civil Police Station prohibited transgender people from roaming the streets after midnight within the limits of the police station.

In this regard, local cops have issued a circular and even warned of legal action against anyone found flouting the new rules which sparked another debate online.

According to police officials, the police took the step to ensure the security of the trans members. The move is aimed at reducing harassment. 

The police also flagged trans-members strolling on streets with other crimes as they attract muggers and are vulnerable to street crimes.

They also accused these members of being involved in prostitution in the wee hours. Thus, they warned that strict action will be taken against eunuchs found wandering in the city after 12am. 

Pertinent to mention here that scores of trans women were attacked and even murdered on the streets in recent years mostly after midnight.

Transgender people were legally recognized as the third gender in South Asian nations through a Supreme Court ruling but discrimination against the community is widespread as they face sexual harassment, honor killings, and other heinous crimes. In a recent incident, Pakistan’s first transgender TV anchor Marvia Malik escaped a gun attack in Lahore last week.