In the wake of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, numerous members of the LGBTQ community, including young transgender women like Laila Khan and Jannat, sought refuge in neighboring Pakistan. However, their hopes for safety and acceptance were soon shattered as they faced ongoing discrimination and a lack of rights in their new host country.

According to human rights groups, hundreds, if not thousands, of Afghan transgender refugees have sought shelter in Pakistan, with approximately 50 individuals approaching the courts in Peshawar seeking protection. Laila and Jannat shared their experiences with CBS News, revealing that while life under the Taliban was unbearable, circumstances in Pakistan have not proved to be significantly better.

Growing up in Afghanistan during the U.S.-led invasion, Jannat managed to complete her education up to grade 12, despite societal rejection. However, since the Taliban regained control, the mistreatment of Afghanistan's transgender community has intensified. This marginalized group has no means of seeking justice under the Taliban regime, which denies the existence of transgender people as a recognized group.

Describing their ordeal, Laila recounted being chased home by Taliban security forces who labeled her a "piece of shame" and warned her parents to prevent her from "corrupting others." Distraught, she emphasized that being transgender was not her choice but rather a part of her identity laid out by God.

In search of safety, Jannat and Laila made the difficult decision to flee to Pakistan, despite apprehensions about the violence they had read about targeting transgender individuals in the country. Assisted by a European organization dedicated to aiding Afghan transgender community members, they crossed the border into Pakistan. However, they soon discovered that the security concerns they faced in their own country were mirrored in their new surroundings.

Lamenting their plight, Laila expressed that being an Afghan refugee in Pakistan was challenging enough, but it was even more difficult to be a transgender individual in a country that is not particularly welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, Khan's experience since arriving has been marred by discrimination, such as being denied housing after her transgender status was revealed to a landlord who had initially prepared the tenancy agreement.

Both Laila and Jannat faced regular harassment and discrimination in Islamabad. From fellow passengers refusing to come near them on crowded buses, to a verbally abusive taxi driver, and even police officers attempting to invade their privacy, their lives remain fraught with challenges. The limited rights and safety afforded to transgender Pakistani citizens do not always extend to refugees like them, who face additional hurdles due to their status.

Concerns about potential deportations back to Afghanistan loom large for transgender Afghan refugees lacking proper documentation. Hayat Roghani, a lawyer representing transgender refugees, disclosed that his organization is currently handling around 50 cases of transgender Afghan refugees, some of whom face the risk of deportation.

While the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan provides no rights or safety for transgender individuals, their journey to Pakistan has not brought about a definitive end to their struggles, as expressed by Farzana Riaz, president of the rights group Trans Action Pakistan. Despite the challenges, Peshawar police spokesperson Alam Khan assured that the transgender community's complaints are being taken seriously, including those lodged by Afghan refugees.

As the situation for Afghan transgender refugees remains uncertain, there is an urgent need for both Pakistan and the international community to address the discrimination and rights violations faced by this marginalized group.