The transgender community in Pakistan has long been excluded from receiving services and benefits offered by the state because of issues regarding their gender. Since their identity is somewhat considered as obscure with regard to existing identity, gender and sexuality paradigms, the community has long been treated as an outcast. It was only recently, when amendments were made in Nadra, that transgenders were able to register themselves as citizens of the state and receive their CNICs. It must be acknowledged that tremendous strides have been made over the past few years to recognise and protect the transgender community, particularly with the passing of the Transgender Protection Act.
The incumbent government has now extended support and the BISP board has approved the inclusion of repressed community as beneficiaries of the Benazir Kafalat Programme. Under this programme, transgender persons can receive Rs7,000 upon registration. This will immensely help those who are struggling to find employment or income opportunities. To many, it will be the safety net needed to get out of illegal or uncommon professions such as beggary or prostitution. Those that have acquired skills, these funds can be used to start a small-scale business such as a carpentry or embroidery shop. However, the high rate of inflation will make this relief programme less affective. In such a situation, officials need to rethink their relief strategy.
Now that the government has lent a hand, and hope is that they will continue to do so, the transgender community must also reply in kind to change the internal culture. There are some who have formed strong mafias within the community to maintain power and earn money. Awareness campaigns must be held by trans activists within their own community of how such relief benefits should be used to eventually enhance their standard of living.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2022.
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