The plan builds on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 and adds welfare fund, shelters, jobs and protection
PESHAWAR:
In a significant step towards long-standing marginalisation, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced a comprehensive new policy aimed at protecting transgender people, commonly referred to as Khawaja Sira in the region, from harassment, violence and discrimination, while promoting their welfare, rights and economic independence.
The policy, which was rolled out recently, marks a renewed commitment to transgender inclusion, building on federal protection under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. Despite constitutional guarantees, transgender people in Pakistan, including in KP, continue to face severe exploitation in education, healthcare, employment and access to justice. The new framework seeks to bridge these gaps through targeted interventions across multiple sectors.
A cornerstone of the policy is the establishment of the province’s first dedicated endowment fund for transgender welfare. This fund will provide sustainable financial resources to support economic empowerment, skills development and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
To ensure immediate protection and support, the policy mandates the establishment of rehabilitation centers, safe homes and community shelters specifically for transgender people. These facilities will offer safe living environments and assistance to those facing violence or displacement.
Administrative reforms include making a Transgender Persons Welfare Register and a comprehensive database mandatory. This centralized system will facilitate access to provincial and national social protection programs, subsidies, health insurance schemes (such as the Sehat Card), skills development initiatives and emergency response measures.
The social department has been designated as the focus department with responsibility for transgender welfare and protection. It will develop policy frameworks, oversee integration into public services, coordinate with other departments and ensure compliance across the province.
Coordination committees will be formed at the district level to deal with local issues. In the judicial and law enforcement sector, dedicated cells in prisons and detention centers, along with “transgender coordination desks” at the district police officer level in each district, will serve as primary points of contact for reporting harassment, violence or seeking protection.
Under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police Act 2017, transgender representatives will be included in dispute resolution councils at the district and tehsil levels. The policy also calls for gender-sensitive rehabilitation for transgender people on probation, recruitment opportunities in the police and the inclusion of modules on transgender rights and recognition in the police training curriculum and academies.
Other departments have assigned roles: The Department of Transportation will train conductors and drivers in transgender rights through certified programs. The health department must ensure inclusion in all public hospitals, provide hormone therapy, mental health services, HIV/AIDS treatment and dedicated monitoring.
In education, the policy enforces non-discriminatory admissions, teacher training, registration based on self-identified name and gender, quotas in higher education, separate hostels and scholarships. The Ministry of Labor is tasked with ensuring equal pay, job opportunities, TVET awards and partnerships from the private sector.
Mandatory education and information campaigns for public servants will, together with dedicated budget allocations and donor cooperation, support the implementation. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will address complaints, training needs and inclusion in basic services.
Sources note that this mirrors earlier efforts during the PTI government’s first term in 2018, when a similar policy was announced, including promises of housing facilities, education, health services and an initial grant of Rs20 million for economic autonomy. However, these initiatives remained largely unimplemented.
Currently, the Social Welfare Department has registered around 600 transgender people in the province, although NADRA records show approx. 170. New standardized registration forms have been distributed to all districts, with the District Social Welfare Officer instructed to collect and forward data promptly.
This policy represents a proactive shift from mere protection to active empowerment and inclusion. If implemented effectively, it could significantly improve the lives of transgender individuals in KP, and set a model for other provinces amid the ongoing challenges of societal stigma and institutional barriers.
