PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has introduced a new policy aimed at protecting transgender people from discrimination, violence, and harassment while improving their access to education, healthcare, jobs, and social welfare. The initiative focuses on both protection and economic empowerment, marking a major step toward inclusion in the province.
The policy builds on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 and seeks to address gaps that still exist despite legal safeguards. Transgender individuals in Pakistan, often known locally as Khawaja Sira, continue to face difficulties in many areas of life, including employment, schooling, medical care, and access to justice. Officials say the new framework aims to reduce these challenges through coordinated efforts across multiple government departments.
One of the key features of the plan is the creation of the province’s first welfare endowment fund dedicated to transgender persons. The fund will support skill development, financial assistance, and rehabilitation programs to help individuals achieve economic independence. The government also plans to establish safe homes, shelters, and rehabilitation centres to provide protection for those facing violence or homelessness.
Authorities will also create a centralized welfare registry and database to help transgender people access social protection programs, health insurance schemes such as the Sehat Card, and other support services. The Social Welfare Department has been assigned the main responsibility for implementing the policy, monitoring services, and coordinating with other departments.
The policy includes measures in law enforcement and justice as well. Special coordination desks will be set up at district police offices to help transgender individuals report harassment or seek protection. Dedicated facilities will also be introduced in prisons and detention centres, while transgender representatives will be included in dispute resolution councils at district and tehsil levels.
In education and employment, the government plans to ensure non-discriminatory admissions, scholarships, separate hostel facilities, and job quotas. Training programs will also be introduced for public servants, transport staff, and police officers to improve awareness and respectful treatment of transgender persons.
Officials say the initiative reflects lessons from earlier efforts announced in 2018 that were not fully implemented. Currently, around 600 transgender persons are registered with the Social Welfare Department in the province, though official national records show a smaller number. New registration drives are underway to update the data.
The government hopes that if implemented effectively, the policy will significantly improve living conditions for transgender individuals and could serve as a model for other provinces facing similar social challenges.
