The plan builds on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, adding funding for welfare, shelters, jobs and protection.
PESHAWAR:
In a significant step to address long-standing marginalization, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced a new comprehensive policy aimed at protecting transgender people, commonly known as Khawaja Sira in the region, from harassment, violence and discrimination, while promoting their well-being, rights and economic independence.
The policy, implemented recently, marks a renewed commitment to the inclusion of transgender people, building on federal protections under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. Despite constitutional guarantees, transgender people in Pakistan, including KP, continue to face severe exploitation in education, healthcare, employment and access to justice. The new framework seeks to close these gaps through targeted interventions across multiple sectors.
A cornerstone of the policy is the establishment of the province’s first endowment fund dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. 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 calls for the creation of rehabilitation centres, safe homes and community shelters specifically for transgender people. These facilities will offer safe living environments and assistance for those facing violence or displacement.
The administrative reforms include making a Transgender Welfare Registry and a comprehensive database mandatory. This centralized system will facilitate access to provincial and national social protection programmes, subsidies, health insurance schemes (such as the Sehat card), skill development initiatives and emergency response measures.
The Department of Social Welfare has been designated as the central department responsible for the welfare and protection of transgender people. You will develop policy frameworks, monitor integration into public services, coordinate with other departments and ensure compliance across the province.
Coordination committees will be formed at the district level to address local issues. In the justice and law enforcement sector, dedicated cells in prisons and detention centers, along with “Transgender Coordination Tables” at the level of District Police Officers in each district, will serve as main points of contact to report harassment, violence or seek protection.
As per 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-responsive rehabilitation for transgender parolees, recruitment opportunities into the police force, and the inclusion of modules on transgender rights and recognition in police curricula and training academies.
Other departments have assigned roles: The Department of Transportation will train drivers and conductors on transgender rights through certificate programs. The Department of Health must ensure inclusion in all government hospitals, providing hormone therapy, mental health services, HIV/AIDS care and dedicated monitoring.
In education, the policy mandates non-discriminatory admissions, teacher training, registration based on a person’s name and gender, quotas in higher education, separate hostels and scholarships. The Department of Labor is tasked with ensuring equal pay, employment opportunities, TVET allocations and partnerships with the private sector.
Implementation will be supported by mandatory training and awareness campaigns for public servants, along with specific budget allocations and donor collaborations. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will address complaints, training needs and inclusion in basic services.
Sources point out that this echoes earlier efforts during the PTI government’s first term in 2018, when a similar policy was announced, which included promises of residential facilities, education, health services and an initial allocation of Rs 20 crore for economic self-reliance. However, those initiatives were largely unimplemented.
Currently, the Department of Social Welfare has registered around 600 transgender people in the province, although NADRA records show approximately 170. New standardized registration forms have been distributed to all districts, and district social welfare officers have been directed to promptly collect and submit data.
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 people in KP, setting a model for other provinces amid the current challenges of social stigma and institutional barriers.
