Call for rights of trans people

Human rights activists, social leaders, women in leadership roles, transpersons voice their concerns

HYDERABAD:

Human rights activists, social leaders, women in leadership roles, and members of the transgender community jointly voiced their concerns regarding the status of trans people as equal citizens of the country. They made these assertions during a Policy Dialogue on social and economic rights organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan at the Hyderabad Press Club.

During the event, Human Rights Commission Council member Salim Jarwar highlighted that the National Assembly of Pakistan had passed legislation in 2018 aimed at securing the fundamental rights and identities of transgender individuals. However, this legislation faced delays due to fundamentalist opposition and legal challenges in the federal Shariah court. After five years, the Shariah court deemed particular articles of the law inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Jarwar emphasised that transgender individuals in Pakistan continue to confront significant social and economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and safety. He praised the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan for consistently supporting marginalised communities in their struggle for rights. He called upon the state to fulfill its responsibility in safeguarding the social and economic rights of transgender individuals.

Parveen Soomro, another council member of HRCP, highlighted the historical perspective, noting that transgender people were once considered bearers of blessings and prayers but were left without proper shelter.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2023.