THE transgender people in our country are always discriminated against and face a lot of harassment in all spheres of life but it is a matter of satisfaction that in recent times, an effort has been seen both on the part of federal and provincial governments to do away with this situation and protect their rights.
At present, PPP’s government in Sindh appears to be leading the effort to bring the transgender people to the mainstream.
A meeting of Sindh cabinet chaired by provincial Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday approved reserved seats for transgender community in the local councils, thus becoming the first province of doing so.
Their representation in the local councils is a big step forward which will help the community effectively raise and address their issues.
A few months back, the Sindh Assembly had also passed a law reserving a 0.5 percent job quota for them within various provincial government departments.
The Local Government Amendment Act reserved one percent of seats for them, allowing them to play a role in the local government structure of thirty one districts of Sindh.
It has also been decided by the federal government to extend financial assistance to the transgenders through Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) which is currently headed by PPP leader Shazia Marri.
All these are important steps will help ensure political and economic empowerment of this so far neglected and underprivileged community.
This process of trans-inclusive society must continue in the days ahead and other provincial governments must also follow the suit.
We will also suggest the Sindh government to go a step further and do the necessary legislation for fixing some reserved seats for the transgenders in the provincial assembly.
This will also push the centre and other provinces to bring them in the legislatures.
