CJP stresses forming policy for transgender persons

Laments on the attitude of society; quotas in apex court and BISP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar has urged the federal and provincial governments to formulate a comprehensive policy for protection, rehabilitation and mainstreaming of the transgender community in the society without any taboo or stigma.

On Thursday, the chief justice chaired a session on the rights of transgender community, organised by the Law and Justice Commission held here at the Supreme Court (SC).

CJP Nisar assured that there would be no delay in giving justice to the community living in the country.

“Transgender community is dear to me just like my other close relatives”.  It’s a fact that transgender community is facing immense issues in getting acceptance from the society, he added.



“Trans rights are also human rights which need to be understood and should be given with full respect and dignity,” said Nisar.

He further said taking care of the rights of the transgender community is the responsibility of the Supreme Court.

Nisar expressed grave concern over the families who disown their children after knowing they are transgender. “Such people will be taken to the task”.

There is nothing wrong to be born as a transgender, said CJP, “the issue remains with the mindset of people who feel shame while accepting them as their family member and part of this society”.

The SC has taken up cases related to certain issues being faced by the community.



“The court decisions have helped them in earning respect and acceptance from the society,” he said.

Meanwhile talking to The Express Tribune, Nayyab Ali a transgender who was one of the representatives from the Transgender community at the seminar said it was announced that two transgender would be given a job at the apex court while five at Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) while considering it as a major step towards acknowledging their rights and improving their image in the society.

Ali who contested general elections form Okara on the party ticket awarded by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Gulalai said during the seminar a policy for the protection of the rights of the transgender was also chalked out and recommendations were given by the members of the transgender community which includes demand for job quota, easy access to health and education facilities, shelter homes among others.

The SC directed the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan to hold a seminar of the stakeholders and representatives of the transgender community to formulate recommendations for protecting the rights and welfare of the community.