This week, Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas announced that the provincial government will open up the first-ever transgender school in Pakistan, in the city of Multan. "We are opening the first-ever transgender school in Pakistan. Why would we deny education to anyone in our country? Our first school is opening in Multan," tweeted the minister.
The provincial education minister vowed that schools for the transgender community will be opened in all districts of Punjab. "One step at a time. Education for ALL," he added.
The school is now opened in Multan and celebs are lauding the government's efforts. "This is such a positive development," shared Tera Mukhra crooner Shehzad Roy. "I hope I live to see the day when transgenders get the right to choose which school they want to go to boys, girls, co-ed or separate transgender schools."
This is such a positive development👍🙏. I hope I live to see the day when transgenders get the right to choose which school they want to go to- boys, girls, co-ed or separate transgender schools. https://t.co/BhZuuPJGZ3
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) July 8, 2021
Ahsan Khan, too, praised the initiative. "The most vulnerable section of society being given the basic human rights, heartwarming indeed," he wrote.
The most vulnerable section of society being given the basic human rights, heartwarming indeed !#EducationForAll #humanrights @PTIofficial pic.twitter.com/XJcZbMK7kE
— Ahsan Khan (@Ahsankhanuk) July 8, 2021
Raas' tweet was in response to a story by a local publication on an announcement made by the minister while addressing a ceremony held regarding Insaf Afternoon School Programme (IASP) at a hotel in Lahore. The minister, at the event, said that the government decided not to enroll members of the transgender community in regular schools because of some reservations regarding the behaviour of other students.
Raas noted that the attitude of students from regular schools could be insulting towards the transgender community, which is why separate schools were being set up for them. He said it was unfortunate that no government except for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) thought about the welfare and provision of education and jobs to the transgender community. The minister said registration for the schools is in progress and will be completed by July 15.
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