The last few decades have seen the transgender community in Pakistan struggle for their inclusion in society. A recently filed petition in the Peshawar High Court by some members of the transgender community to establish a third column on the national census to recognise sexes outside ‘male’ and ‘female’ categories validates their ongoing fight.
Although NADRA had announced the inclusion of this column a few years ago, many members of the transgender community still suffer for their fundamental right of getting a CNIC.
The official requirement for their birth certificates clearly overlooks the dire circumstances that many of them have to bear. Because of this prevalent discrimination, often at the hands of their loved ones, they often do not have any required documentation. The administration is, hence, requested to consider their circumstances and amend all relevant reforms to ensure that these voices are also heard.
JALIB NIAZ,
Turbat, September 12.
