A Mosque Built by a Transgender Man Sparks Controversy and Scrutiny in Pakistan

Okara: When 46-year-old Rajab Ali, a transgender man, invested his life savings to construct a mosque in the Okara district of Pakistan's Punjab province, he aimed to create a space for worship free from gender discrimination. However, Ali now faces harassment from his neighbors for praying in the mosque he built, as the transgender community, known locally as Khawaja Sira, encounters intensified challenges in Pakistan. According to Global Voices, the legislative landscape for transgender rights in Pakistan has been turbulent. The Transgender Persons Act of 2018, which granted equal rights and access to public spaces for transgender individuals, including places of worship, has faced backlash. In 2023, a federal court invalidated parts of the law, citing conflicts with Islamic principles, thereby placing many of the rights of the transgender community in a precarious position. Ali's initiative to build a mosque encountered immediate resistance. He began the project in December 2022 but faced community hosti lity. Neighbors expressed disdain, stating they would not worship in a mosque constructed by a transgender person. Ali reported thefts and harassment, with items such as motor parts and water taps disappearing from the mosque. Despite these challenges, Ali resumed construction in November 2025, completing the mosque amidst fears of ongoing harassment. Community opinions are divided, with some residents refusing to pray in what they term a "transgender mosque," while others, like Javed Iqbal, advocate for inclusivity. Ali's attempts to lead prayers have been met with skepticism and hostility from some mosque-goers questioning his presence. Ali is not alone in his efforts; previous attempts by transgender activists to establish trans-friendly worship spaces have faced similar setbacks. The 2016 construction of a mosque by transgender individuals in Islamabad was marred by harassment, and the project eventually stalled. Furthermore, Pakistan's first transgender Islamic school opened in 2021, highlighting ongoi ng efforts for religious inclusivity. Official statistics on Pakistan's transgender population are likely underestimated, with the 2023 census recording 20,331 individuals, a decrease from previous counts. The transgender literacy rate lags behind national figures, exacerbated by societal stigma and schoolroom harassment. Legal rights for transgender individuals remain contentious, as highlighted by Lahore High Court lawyer Muhammad Azam Chaudhary. While the 2018 Act provides significant rights, societal acceptance and education are crucial for these protections to be effective. Ali's decision to use his savings, earned as a dancer, to build the mosque has drawn criticism from religious conservatives. While some scholars argue that the source of income should not affect the mosque's sanctity, others contend that religious principles prohibit funding sacred spaces with earnings from activities like dancing. Transgender rights activist Zanaya Chaudhry emphasizes the societal scrutiny faced by transgender in dividuals, particularly regarding their livelihoods. The absence of comprehensive national data on transgender unemployment further complicates the socio-economic challenges they face. Research indicates persistent exclusion and harassment of transgender individuals at places of worship, with a 2025 study documenting such experiences. Transgender individuals also face discrimination in healthcare settings, as recounted by Nayyab, who experienced bias and derogatory remarks in a government hospital. Despite legal advancements, transgender individuals in Pakistan continue to confront discrimination in various aspects of life. For Ali, the journey towards acceptance and recognition remains fraught with obstacles, but he hopes his efforts will be remembered positively in the future.