Pakistan: Ban of Joyland film part of 'alarming trend' to censor transgender people

Oscar contender Joyland has been banned by the Pakistani government

The country had one of the most progressive legislations on transgender rights in the world

‘We hope this disappointing decision of revoking the film’s licence for release in Pakistan is reversed immediately’ - Nadia Rahman

In response to the ban - and the ensuing indecision on reversing the ban by the Pakistani government today - of the award-winning film Joyland, which features a transgender person in a leading role, Nadia Rahman, Amnesty International’s Policy Advisor on Gender issues, said:

“This is the latest in an alarming trend of censorship and crackdown on freedom of expression in Pakistan.

“The banning of Joyland comes where the right to freedom of expression and the already limited rights of transgender people are under increasing threat in the country.

“We hope this disappointing decision of revoking the film’s licence for release in Pakistan is reversed immediately, and efforts are made to loosen the Government’s grip over what people can read, watch, speak or do.

“Transgender people in Pakistan continue to lack access to basic services, and are subjected to ongoing harassment, stigma and violence.

“There is currently a concerted effort to curtail the rights afforded to them under the Transgender Persons Act, and a smear campaign that is stoking stigma and violence against transgender people, actively putting them further at risk.

“This deep-rooted and persistent pushback to ensuring their equal place in society further enables the increasing violence and discrimination against transgender people in Pakistan.”

Transgender people targeted in Pakistan

Pakistan had one of the most progressive legislations on transgender rights in the world. The release of this film was an opportunity to champion the rights of one of the world’s most marginalised groups that have a huge historical and cultural significance within South Asia, and beyond.

In the last year alone (October 2021 – September 2022) 18 transgender people were reported to have been killed in Pakistan – the highest figure in Asia.

In the recent report, Pandemic or not, we have the right to live, Amnesty has documented discrimination, violence and marginalisation of transgender people in 15 countries - including Pakistan - which worsened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Government’s decision to ban the film

Joyland is the first Pakistani feature to be an official selection at the Cannes film festival, where it was awarded the prestigious jury prize.

On 11 November, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting revoked the film’s permission to release in theatres for its “highly objectionable material” showcasing the relationship of a man with a transgender woman.

On 14 November, the Prime Minister set up an eight-member review committee to deliberate on complaints against the film.

On 15 November, the Committee concluded that the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) needs to conduct a "full board review immediately," to take a final decision about the suitability for screening of the film.