The last few decades have seen the transgender community of Pakistan struggle for their inclusion into the society. A recently filed petition in the Peshawar High Court by members of the transgender community asks to establish a third column on the national census to recognise genders outside ‘male’ and ‘female’. Although NADRA had announced the inclusion of this column a few years ago, many members of the transgender community still suffer, as they are devoid of their fundamental right of obtaining 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 do not have the 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.