Pakistan was founded on the ideals of Islam, a religion based on human welfare, harmony and equity. This is the reason Article 38 of the Constitution makes the state responsible for providing health, education and other basic rights to all its citizens and Article 25 bounds the state to provide equal protection to citizens without discriminating on the basis of sex.
However, while everything on paper appears perfect, the ground realities are quite grim. Along with many other neglected people, the gloomiest and the most disturbing conditions are of the transgender community. They are mocked and humiliated by the public because of the way they are born. It is unfortunate that many fail to acknowledge them as mere human beings who also feel just like us. Instead they are shunned out of society and are therefore forced to live in the shadows.
Without having any opportunities for education or skills training, most of them rely on beggary, sex-work or as performers in local weddings and gatherings in order to make ends meet.
In the past, some efforts were made to improve their conditions by providing them the provision to get national ID cards, unfortunately that did not benefit them much. It is the responsibility of the government both morally and constitutionally to support this alienated community. The governing authorities should ensure education and job opportunities for all, regardless of their gender.
Awaisullah Khan Babar
Saudi Arabia
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2020.
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