The transgender community in Pakistan

**Strike Rate** · 14th June 2016, 22:22

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial cabinet met on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in chair, to approve the annual budget having a total outlay of Rs505 billion for fiscal year 2016-17.

“No new tax has been proposed in the budget,” special assistant to chief minister on information Mushtaq Ghani said while giving details of the budget.

In the new budget, he continued, a special fund of Rs200 million has also been earmarked for the welfare of transgender community of the province for the first time in the budget history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Presenting the annual budget for fiscal year 2016-17 at the floor of KP Assembly, Provincial Minister for Finance Muzaffar Syed advocate said Rs10 billion for 64 ongoing and Rs2.42 billion for eight new projects have been earmarked in the budget.

In his budget speech the finance minister stated that the province is expected to obtain Rs380 billion from the federal tax assignments, Rs293 billion as one per cent of divisible pool for war on terror, Rs35 billion as straight transfer, Rs17 billion as net hydel profit, Rs18 billion as arrears of net hydel profit and Rs15 billion million as incentive on surplus cash balance.

The finance minister further said 160 new primary schools and 100 new secondary schools would be constructed in the province whereas 100 religious seminaries would be converted into primary schools.

The KP government has decided to allocate Rs33 billion for the local governments during the next fiscal, Syed said, adding that the province will generate Rs15 billion from its own resources under sales tax on services sector.

The minister said KP will generate Rs3.5 billion from its own power generation in the coming fiscal.

While revealing the salary package for government employees Syed announced the merger of 10 per cent interim allowance of 2013-14 into the basic running pay of the provincial government employees. He further announced a 10 per cent increase in salaries of the government employees.

The provincial finance minister also announce a 10 per cent increase in the pension of retired employees and 25 per cent increase in the pension for the employees having more than 85 years age. The rise in salaries, pension and allowance would cost Rs14.20 billion to provincial exchequer.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1264788/kp-...-annual-budget

**Strike Rate** · 14th June 2016, 22:24

Good to see KP govt taking steps to help minorities and transgenders.

**IslamabadUnited** · 14th June 2016, 22:26

Excellent news. Keep up the good work KPK government.

**Strike Rate** · 17th June 2016, 04:11

Originally Posted by IslamabadUnited

Excellent news. Keep up the good work KPK government.

I hope they continue it and set more examples so the other provinces and federal can follow. No shame in following good examples i will appreciate it if they follow it instead of sending derabris for more press conferences.

**Saeed** · 17th June 2016, 07:10

Only 4 posts? I guess people discussing positivity is not fun. Anyways good for KPK government. Sexual preference of people is not the problem, the right wing extremists are.

**Deosai** · 17th June 2016, 07:38

Transvestites are not transgender, the Pakistani English media is full of jaahils whondont know the difference

**The_KING** · 17th June 2016, 07:46

Good work. Keep it up.

**Strike Rate** · 20th June 2016, 18:07

@Mamoon i guess your Taliban Khan got love for transgenders and minorities thats why KP govt helping them?

**Mamoon** · 20th June 2016, 18:10

Originally Posted by Strike Rate

@Mamoon i guess your Taliban Khan got love for transgenders and minorities thats why KP govt helping them?

Good job by PTI when it comes to supporting transvestites, but unfortunately it doesn't cancel out the funding to Taliban madrassa.

**Strike Rate** · 20th June 2016, 18:13

Originally Posted by Mamoon

Good job by PTI when it comes to supporting transvestites, but unfortunately it doesn't cancel out the funding to Taliban madrassa.

Sometime i wonder how come you miss all positive development threads of kp/pti govt and you appear in almost all threads about them where you can attack kaptaan

**Mamoon** · 20th June 2016, 18:14

Originally Posted by Strike Rate

Sometime i wonder how come you miss all positive development threads of kp/pti govt and you appear in almost all threads about them where you can attack kaptaan

Same can be said about you and others. I don't see Insaafiyans coming out in numbers to criticize PTI funding the madrassa.

You should lead by example then and criticize when criticism is due. Maybe that will inspire me to give due praise when it will be due.

**TalentSpotterPk** · 13th November 2016, 20:42

How do we treat them ?

There is a video out there where a Man who is under 30 is beating a transgender with a Hunter so so brutally and askd his friend to film it.

If I would have got power I would have jailed him for 10 years.

Where is Shame & Where is Humanity ?

# Khaadim e Aala
# PunjabSpeed Notice lou.

#CyberCrimeBill
#Chaudhary Nisar take notice.

@DW44 these are practicing hells.
Evils. Begherat Jaanwars.

**TalentSpotterPk** · 13th November 2016, 20:46

@WebGuru

Mein Aesi Jamhooriat pe Laanat bhejta hun jahan pe Qanoon ki Amaldaari na ho aor Ba-Asarr logoun ko Qanoon ka koi khouff na ho.

Jahaan Ghareeb, Kamzor aor Aqleeat se Insaaniat Soz Salook ho.

Aesay hukmaranoun k liye doob merne ka muqaam hai.

Sayeedi Pbuh ki Rooh bhee kaamp uthee hogee aesay Sampoun Darindoun ko dekh k. Agar dekh saktay hein tou.

**WebGuru** · 13th November 2016, 20:52

Originally Posted by TalentSpotterPk

@WebGuru

Mein Aesi Jamhooriat pe Laanat bhejta hun jahan pe Qanoon ki Amaldaari na ho aor Ba-Asarr logoun ko Qanoon ka koi khouff na ho.

Jahaan Ghareeb, Kamzor aor Aqleeat se Insaaniat Soz Salook ho.

Aesay hukmaranoun k liye doob merne ka muqaam hai.

Sayeedi Pbuh ki Rooh bhee kaamp uthee hogee aesay Sampoun Darindoun ko dekh k. Agar dekh saktay hein tou.

I share same views i reject this civil dictatorship in the cover of jamhuryat.

**TalentSpotterPk** · 13th November 2016, 20:53

Originally Posted by WebGuru

I share same views i reject this civil dictatorship in the cover of jamhuryat.

Being a Punjabi again Sir Sharam se Jhukk gaya.

Afsouss sadd afsouss

**DW44** · 13th November 2016, 20:59

Originally Posted by TalentSpotterPk

How do we treat them ?

There is a video out there where a Man who is under 30 is beating a transgender with a Hunter so so brutally and askd his friend to film it.

If I would have got power I would have jailed him for 10 years.

Where is Shame & Where is Humanity ?

# Khaadim e Aala
# PunjabSpeed Notice lou.

#CyberCrimeBill
#Chaudhary Nisar take notice.

@DW44 these are practicing hells.
Evils. Begherat Jaanwars.

This isn't even that bad by Pakistani standards. I can think of at least two other incidents just from today that make this look like a non event. Living in Pakistan, I am no longer shocked by such brutality since inhumanity has now seeped deep enough into our society to be considered indisputably a part of our culture. Ten years ago, such news would have shocked and horrified me but incidents like this are now pretty much an everyday occurrence. Three such incidents in just one day (specifics of the other incidents not included) and this one is nothing compared to the other two.

**TalentSpotterPk** · 14th November 2016, 03:49

Jajja Badmaash has been arrested.

Let's see if anything happens or once again it will be Matti Pao.

**Mian** · 5th March 2018, 19:11

Meanwhile in Taliban Khan's province:

KP claims in a historic first, Transgenders have been issued driving Licenses and even better traffic police will teaching them driving.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakista...es-274201.html

https://www.dawn.com/news/1393351/kp...5-transgenders

KP govt issues driving licences to 15 transgenders
Marking a first in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government on Monday issued driving licences to 15 transgender persons, DawnNewsTV reported.

The licences were issued to transgender persons at a ceremony held in Peshawar, where SSP Traffic Yasir Khan Afridi distributed the licences among them.

Speaking at the occasion, Afridi briefed the audience that 300 transgenders had applied for driving licences. In the first phase, 15 transgenders were licensed to drive whereas the rest of applications would be processed gradually, he added.

After getting the first ever driving licence issued to a transgender person in KP, Farzana said this development will pave ways for transgenders to earn a respectable livelihood.

She said that most of her community members were fed up of dancing and therefor searching for alternate professions.

**Syed1** · 5th March 2018, 19:15

Simultaneous sazish by Yahoodi laaby and Taliban. But but but what do we know we have never been to Peshawar so cannot comment on KPK.

**King-Misbah** · 5th March 2018, 19:15

This is establishments saazish!

**DeadBall** · 5th March 2018, 19:33

Good initiative. Welcome to the 21st century KP.

**Arham_PakFan** · 5th March 2018, 23:05

Brilliant!Good stuff!

**hadi123** · 7th March 2018, 21:13

That's great!

**Pakistanian** · 7th March 2018, 23:24

They're not transgenders, they're intersex people. The pakistani media is so ignorant and they want to be accepted by the west so they're mislabeling intersex people who were born as both gender as transgenders who change their gender by choice. Being transgender is still illegal under Pakistani laws, intersex or unisex people aka khusras are another thing.

**Mian** · 27th March 2018, 22:14

A 21-year-old journalist is making headlines in Pakistan by becoming the country's first transgender news anchor.

Pakistan's social networks were abuzz following Marvia Malik's first on-air appearance on the March 23 and in the days since she's gone viral across Facebook and Twitter, with many lauding the move as progress for transgender rights in Pakistan.

Malik, a trainee anchor at Lahore-based channel Kohinoor News, is pleased with the attention that she's received but insists more needs to be done when it comes to improving the lives of Pakistan's transgender community.

A graduate of journalism from Punjab University, Malik told CNN she applied for the position since she wanted to prove that people from the transgender community "are capable of any job, and can do anything they want."

"I want to show the country that we are more than objects of ridicule ... that we are also human," she said.

According to Pakistan's most recent census in 2017, which recorded the country's transgender population for the first time, there are close to 10,000 individuals who identify as transgender across the country of almost 200 million.

Earlier this month the country's senate passed a landmark bill to protect the rights of the country's transgender community.

The bill's provisions include enabling individuals the right to change their gender on national identity cards, inherit property and not be discriminated against if pursuing a seat in public office.

While the bill was praised by rights groups and activists, Malik insists that there needs to be a change in society's attitudes for such laws to actually be taken seriously and implemented.

Malik said she realized she was transgender "at a very young age." She is estranged from her family and has been providing for herself financially since she was 15 years old.

"I want the next generation of young transgender kids to look up to me as an inspiration that they can be accepted and that there can be opportunities for them," Malik said.

Disowned by their families and without access to job opportunities many from the transgender community are forced into prostitution and begging, eking out a living on the fringes of society, according to Naz, an NGO that provides healthcare for the LGBT community in Pakistan.

In March 2017, the Ministry of Health released data that showed that transgender sex workers are the second most-vulnerable group to HIV and AIDS in the country.

Malik's boss, Bilal Ashraf, the director news for Kohinoor News, told CNN that when going through Malik's audition he hadn't realized that she was transgender.

Ashraf said that Kohinoor News aims to be a more progressive news channel for Pakistan, providing opportunities to the "disabled, women and individuals from all sorts of background."

"We will not discriminate, everyone has dreams, everyone has goals and so much of that talent gets thrown into the dustbin, undiscovered, simply because of the biases in society," Ashraf said.

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/27/a...ntl0648AMStory

**JaDed** · 27th March 2018, 22:25

Amazing,mostly good new coming out of Pak nowadays.

**Arham_PakFan** · 27th March 2018, 22:27

Nice to see.Hope the situation improves for others.

**ManFan** · 27th March 2018, 22:32

Was she born transgender or went through an operation?

**shokz1408** · 27th March 2018, 22:42

Originally Posted by ManFan

Was she born transgender or went through an operation?

You can't be born transgender lol.

**ManFan** · 27th March 2018, 22:43

Originally Posted by shokz1408

You can't be born transgender lol.

What about the hijre?

**Mian** · 27th March 2018, 23:01

Originally Posted by ManFan

What about the hijre?

Marvia Malik said she realized she was transgender "at a very young age."

**Arham_PakFan** · 27th March 2018, 23:11

Originally Posted by shokz1408

You can't be born transgender lol.

Originally Posted by ManFan

What about the hijre?

In very rare cases,people can be born intersex.Most 'transgenders' are actually intersex.

**shane** · 27th March 2018, 23:43

That's awesome!

**JaDed** · 28th March 2018, 01:34

Educated Pakistanis actually are mocking this , shocking tbh, can understand the rural folks living in 15th century.

**DeadBall** · 28th March 2018, 01:40

Have deleted many insensitive and ignorant posts. Please refrain in the future, if you do not want to be banned.

**CricFan2012** · 28th March 2018, 02:33

Good socially progressive move, it should always be merit over your caste, sexual orientation, name, gender, etc.

**humzy** · 28th March 2018, 04:05

Originally Posted by Arham_PakFan

In very rare cases,people can be born intersex.Most 'transgenders' are actually intersex.

totally incorrect, what stats are you basing that off?

**Arham_PakFan** · 28th March 2018, 09:06

Originally Posted by humzy

totally incorrect, what stats are you basing that off?

I'm talking about the 'hijre' that ManFan mentioned,the ones on Pakistani roads.Not talkibg about the world over.

And I'm basing these off interactions I've had with them.Not any stats.Although I might have been hasty when I said 'most'.

**AamchiMumbaikar** · 28th March 2018, 11:21

Progressive!

**Robert** · 28th March 2018, 17:33

Good on her!

**GenericBrand** · 29th March 2018, 04:20

Wouldn't this endanger her?

**hadi123** · 30th March 2018, 14:56

Good. It's 2018, people should be treated equally

**humzy** · 5th April 2018, 10:23

Originally Posted by Arham_PakFan

I'm talking about the 'hijre' that ManFan mentioned,the ones on Pakistani roads.Not talkibg about the world over.

And I'm basing these off interactions I've had with them.Not any stats.Although I might have been hasty when I said 'most'.

I think you are referring to intersex/hermaphrodites rather then actual transgenders.

Two different things.

There are a lot less intersex (people born with sexual abnormalities) compared to transgenders (people who don't identify with the sex they are born with).

I also have a strong feeling that intersex/hermaphrodite incidents in Pakistan is largely due to marrying first cousins etc. Just my theory though.

**Arham_PakFan** · 5th April 2018, 10:39

Originally Posted by humzy

I think you are referring to intersex/hermaphrodites rather then actual transgenders.

Two different things.

There are a lot less intersex (people born with sexual abnormalities) compared to transgenders (people who don't identify with the sex they are born with).

I also have a strong feeling that intersex/hermaphrodite incidents in Pakistan is largely due to marrying first cousins etc. Just my theory though.

Yes I was referring to hermaphrodites.

In my first post I referred to them in quotation marks because in our society we often classify intersex as transgender and there is a big difference between them.

**giri26** · 16th April 2018, 10:54

The first school for the transgender community was launched at an event at the Alhamra Open Air Theatre, Gaddafi Stadium, on Sunday.

The school is being launched by an NGO called Exploring Future Foundation (EFF), which has attempted its first project.

“We will be providing skill based training and curriculum to the transgender community that has enrolled with us,” said Moizzah Tariq, the managing director of the NGO.

“Most of them have shown interest in sectors of the fashion industry including learning about cosmetics, fashion designing, embroidery and stitching while some have also shown interest in graphic designing and culinary skills. Having gained information from them first we designed our courses for them.”

Asif Shahzad, the owner of the school, said there are 30 people enrolled in the school.

“I was moved after seeing the bomb blast in Indonesia in 2016 at a transgender school,” he said. “It was the only such school in any Islamic country in the world. After that we decided to provide them education and bring them to the mainstream.”

The plan is to provide a diploma course so that the students will be able to either work or set up their own businesses, and the NGO is to facilitate them with both procedures.

The school, ‘The Gender Guardian’, has no age limit and is located on main DHA. Classes will begin on Monday (today).

“We are trying to convince them of leading better lives, and also try to tell the rest of society that they are also human beings, and that they should be treated as humans,” said Shahzad.

The event was supported by transgender activists Zara Changezi, Khursand Bayar Ali, Neeli Rana and others from Khwaja Sirah Society, and recently the first transgender newscaster Maavia Malik. Gurus (leaders/patrons) and others from the community were also present at the event.

The event started off with musical concert including performances by Annie Khalid and Falak. Afterwards theatre performances took place.

Notanki Productions Creative Director Khursand Bayar Ali whose play Umeed was performed, said the play was primarily about the main issue of HIV affecting the community.

“They must know the ins and outs of the problem, and we have also tried to sketch a situation where affected transgenders are shunned by society and need counseling. There’s a message for everyone in this.”

Noor who plays a lead character in the play is herself a patient of HIV and says that people must know the exact ways in which HIV virus is spread because misconceptions cause transgenders to be ostracised.

“Society feels it is only a sexually transmitted disease and they reduce us to mere sexual beings, when in fact it is also spread through incorrect syringe use, or through infected blades etc.” she said.

“There are many who refuse to eat with, or talk to HIV patients and stay physically away from them. As for the transgender they too need to understand that they must take their medication as it is a disease that can be controlled even if it can’t be cured.”

Maham, another actor, said she was afraid of coming out at home, and her family had no idea that she was in a woman’s getup, and the problem lay in lack of acceptance. “My father does not talk to me and I am often bullied by older siblings, but my teachers have played a role in my life in helping me accept my own identity and this self-realisation has made me feel more comfortable. Still society should be more accepting of people.”

Shahzad said they were trying to get the word across through educational institutions that their initiative must be supported by everyone.

Lahore and its surrounding areas have a population of roughly 30,000 people who are counted among the transgender community.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1401944/co...-persons-opens

**GreenShirts** · 16th April 2018, 17:04

LAHORE: The first school for the transgender community was launched at an event at the Alhamra Open Air Theatre, Gaddafi Stadium, on Sunday.

The school is being launched by an NGO called Exploring Future Foundation (EFF), which has attempted its first project.

“We will be providing skill based training and curriculum to the transgender community that has enrolled with us,” said Moizzah Tariq, the managing director of the NGO.

“Most of them have shown interest in sectors of the fashion industry including learning about cosmetics, fashion designing, embroidery and stitching while some have also shown interest in graphic designing and culinary skills. Having gained information from them first we designed our courses for them.”

Asif Shahzad, the owner of the school, said there are 30 people enrolled in the school.

“I was moved after seeing the bomb blast in Indonesia in 2016 at a transgender school,” he said. “It was the only such school in any Islamic country in the world. After that we decided to provide them education and bring them to the mainstream.”

The plan is to provide a diploma course so that the students will be able to either work or set up their own businesses, and the NGO is to facilitate them with both procedures.

The school, ‘The Gender Guardian’, has no age limit and is located on main DHA. Classes will begin on Monday (today).

“We are trying to convince them of leading better lives, and also try to tell the rest of society that they are also human beings, and that they should be treated as humans,” said Shahzad.

The event was supported by transgender activists Zara Changezi, Khursand Bayar Ali, Neeli Rana and others from Khwaja Sirah Society, and recently the first transgender newscaster Maavia Malik. Gurus (leaders/patrons) and others from the community were also present at the event.

The event started off with musical concert including performances by Annie Khalid and Falak. Afterwards theatre performances took place.

Notanki Productions Creative Director Khursand Bayar Ali whose play Umeed was performed, said the play was primarily about the main issue of HIV affecting the community.

“They must know the ins and outs of the problem, and we have also tried to sketch a situation where affected transgenders are shunned by society and need counseling. There’s a message for everyone in this.”

Noor who plays a lead character in the play is herself a patient of HIV and says that people must know the exact ways in which HIV virus is spread because misconceptions cause transgenders to be ostracised.

“Society feels it is only a sexually transmitted disease and they reduce us to mere sexual beings, when in fact it is also spread through incorrect syringe use, or through infected blades etc.” she said.

“There are many who refuse to eat with, or talk to HIV patients and stay physically away from them. As for the transgender they too need to understand that they must take their medication as it is a disease that can be controlled even if it can’t be cured.”

Maham, another actor, said she was afraid of coming out at home, and her family had no idea that she was in a woman’s getup, and the problem lay in lack of acceptance. “My father does not talk to me and I am often bullied by older siblings, but my teachers have played a role in my life in helping me accept my own identity and this self-realisation has made me feel more comfortable. Still society should be more accepting of people.”

Shahzad said they were trying to get the word across through educational institutions that their initiative must be supported by everyone.

Lahore and its surrounding areas have a population of roughly 30,000 people who are counted among the transgender community.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1401944/co...-persons-opens

This is great news!

**BreadPakoda** · 17th April 2018, 00:19

Good job and good luck to all involved. This is one section of the society that is completely neglected.

**Arham_PakFan** · 17th April 2018, 16:34

Encouraging.Hope further progress is made in helping this marginalized section of our society,as well as all the others.

**hadi123** · 15th May 2018, 18:24

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed the federal government to submit details of the recently passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 by June 29 for a review.

Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza passed the orders while hearing a petition filed by human rights activist Atif Sattar Arain. The petitioner had moved the court, seeking basic civil rights for transgender people.

The counsel for the federal government informed the court that the National Assembly had passed a bill, catering to all the demands of the petitioner. The advocate, however, differed and said that though some of his demands were part of the bill, the proposed legislation missed several points mentioned in his petition.

The single-member bench made it clear that the court will decide on the petition after going through the details of the proposed legislation. It was the second hearing of the case. In the first hearing, the court had sent notices to Punjab and federal governments.

The activist in his petition contended that transgenders in the society are deprived of their basic rights and that derogatory terms are used for them. The petition also sought adequate opportunities of Haj and Umrah for them.

It demanded appropriate representation of transgenders in the Senate, the National Assembly and provincial assemblies as well as tax exemptions on medicines, clothes and other daily life items.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018, is aimed at ensuring rights of transgender persons. The bill, which had already been passed by the Senate, was moved by Syed Naveed Qamar of the PPP.

Under the proposed law, transgender persons will be able to register to obtain driving licence and passport. They will have the option to get their gender changed in the National Database and Registration Authority’s record.

Harassment of transgender persons will also be prohibited in and outside their homes. They will not be discriminated against by educational institutions, employers, in trade and health services, and when using public transport and buying or selling or renting property.

The bill suggested to the government to establish a safe house for transgender persons and provide them medical and educational facilities and psychological counselling. Similarly, separate rooms will be established at jails where transgender persons could be detained. In addition to all basic rights, they will be entitled to inherit property.

The government will take steps to ensure employment opportunities for transgender persons and they will have the right to vote in all national, provincial and local government elections and they will not be discriminated against in their pursuit of a public office.

The bill stated that anyone found guilty of forcing a transgender person to beg will be sentenced to six months in prison and served a fine of Rs50,000.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1407829/lh...018-for-review

**MenInG** · 17th June 2018, 16:43

https://www.geo.tv/latest/199560-cjp...gender-persons

LAHORE: The issue of transgender persons not being given computerised national identity cards (CNIC) will be taken up at the Supreme Court Lahore Registry on Monday as Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took notice of the matter on Sunday.

A press release issued by the Supreme Court stated that the chief justice took notice after his visit to Foundation House in Lahore, where transgender persons complained to him regarding non-issuance of CNICs.

Foundation House is a shelter facility that has recently been opened in Lahore’s Rachna Town for transgender persons. The facility houses transgender people aged 50 or above, as well as those seeking treatment for diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. Transgender people are provided with food and medical treatment free of cost at the shelter home.

Although the law in Pakistan promises all the basic rights to transgender persons in the country, they continue to face difficulties is getting access to such services.

In March, the Senate unanimously approved Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2017.

In the same month, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government issued driving licences to two transgender persons.

Moreover, the National Database and Registration Authority started providing transgendered community members with three gender categories on the registration forms for CNICs.

But the community remains grappling for survival.

However, their woes pertaining to the issuance of CNICs would be heard at the top court’s Lahore Registry on Monday (tomorrow) where the chief justice has summoned chief secretary Punjab, other relevant officials and Akhuwat Foundation Executive Director Dr Amjad Saqib.

‘Undercounted’
Besides, the non-issuance of CNICs transgender persons are also faced with the issue of identity on their CNICs, which is one of the reasons why they were said to be undercounted in the sixth census conducted in March.

In 2009, when the Supreme Court ordered the issuance of special national identity cards to transgender persons, the process began briefly but then it was shut down and restarted in 2012.

During the three-year gap, between 2009 and 2012, no new CNICs were printed, and many of the transgender persons still have cards that identify them as male.

It was said that the census results showed over 10,000 transgender persons were living in Pakistan. But their own estimates suggested their population should be roughly around 300,000 to 500,000. There must be at least 300 people of the community living in Lahore’s Heera Mandi alone, according to Bindiya Rana, a transgender activist.

**Abdullah719** · 21st July 2020, 17:53

Door opens for transgenders in govt jobs

The federal and Punjab governments have decided to start inducing people who are transgender in the public sector, including the police department. Both governments have begun allocating seats for people who are transgender along with men and women and have even given them an age relaxation of up to two years. People who are transgender will soon be able to apply for jobs in different public institutions including wildlife, fisheries, social welfare, health, anti-corruption and others. They can also apply for jobs which are published by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). There will be no allocated quota for such people and they will be hired on merit based on their educational qualifications. The move has been applauded by the Shemale Association (SA). Its head Almas Bobby said that the measure will help reduce discrimination with those of the third gender. She added that the people who are transgender will also contest the upcoming local and national elections while they are also eligible for voting now.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2255953...s-in-govt-jobs

**TSA321** · 25th August 2020, 00:38

**Abdullah719** · 9th September 2020, 17:11

Transgender person shot dead, another injured in Peshawar attack

A transgender person was killed and another was injured from gunshots by unidentified men in Peshawar’s Tehkal area, police said on Wednesday.

Both victims were rushed to the Khyber Teaching Hospital, where doctors pronounced Shakeel, aka Gul Panra, dead. The other victim, identified as Tariq alias Chahat, is under treatment.

The body of Gul Panra has been sent for an autopsy, officials said.

A first information report of the incident has been filed, with Chahat as the complainant.

According to the FIR, a group of transgender persons had gone to perform at a wedding function and were preparing to leave when unknown people opened fire on them. The report further said that the victim would be able to identify those involved in the shooting.

The motive behind the shooting is not yet clear, Superintendent of Police of Cantt Hassan Jahangir Wattoo said, adding that an investigation is underway.

Capital City Police Officer Mohammad Ali Gandapur also took notice of the incident and constituted a special team, which will be headed by SP Wattoo, to investigate and arrest the those responsible.

So far, no arrests have been been made, Wattoo said.

The shooting sparked anger on social media and the hashtag ‘Justice for Gulpanra’ was among the top trends on Twitter in Pakistan.

Despite multiple laws passed to protect them, the transgender community in Pakistan remains vulnerable to attacks.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1578748/tr...eshawar-attack

**marlonbrowndo** · 9th September 2020, 17:19

Originally Posted by Arham_PakFan

In very rare cases,people can be born intersex.Most 'transgenders' are actually intersex.

This is not true at all

**Firebat** · 27th November 2020, 19:27

Pakistan's first transgender lawyer goes from begging to fighting in court

KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Lawyer Nisha Rao maneuvers among the throng of black-coated attorneys clustered near Karachi’s city courts searching for her client.

But Rao, 28, is not just another lawyer running for a meeting. As Pakistan’s first transgender lawyer, she has carved a path from the streets to the courtroom and her example is inspiring other transgender people in the conservative Islamic Republic.

“I am proud to have become Pakistan first transgender lawyer”, Rao told Reuters.

Life is hard for transgender persons in Pakistan, where the Supreme Court only allowed them to claim a third gender on their national identity cards in 2009. The parliament just passed a law in 2018 recognising transgender people as equal citizen and protecting them from discrimination and violence.

Treated as outcasts, many transgender persons are victims of sexual assault and resort to working as wedding dancers or begging to make a living.

Rao also ended up begging on the streets after running away from her middle class home in the eastern city of Lahore when she was 18 with two other transgender persons.

Arriving in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, the elder transgender people she sought refuge with advised her to beg or become a sex worker to survive.

Rao stood at traffic lights begging from car to car but was determined to escape that path, eventually using her income to pay for law classes at night.

After several years, she earned a law degree, gaining her law license earlier this year and joining the Karachi Bar Association.

She has contested 50 cases and is working with a non-governmental organisation fighting for transgender rights.

Rao has broadened her clientele to include non-transgender persons

“As my case pertains to harassment, I feel that Rao can represent me best since transgenders are subjected to frequent harassment in our society,” said Jeya Alvi, 34, an office secretary meeting Rao for a consultation.

A 2017 census counted 10,418 transgender people out of 207 million in the country, but rights group Charity Trans Action Pakistan estimates there are at least 500,000.

“Rao used to beg here along with us, today she is better than many. But she still helps us, she even responds at midnight (if we contact her),” said Nayab, a transgender beggar who goes by one name.

Rao has even bigger aspirations than becoming an attorney.

“My goal is to become Pakistan’s first transgender judge,” she said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-p...-idUSKBN2870BI

**MenInG** · 28th May 2021, 12:53

LAHORE: The Punjab government will be paying a monthly stipend to transgender persons under a new programme by its social protection authority.

This was announced by Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan while talking to the media with Punjab Social Protection Authority Vice Chairperson Jamal Nasir Cheema in Lahore.

Transgender people are a part of society and will be given a monthly stipend, she said.

Dr Firdous said that the ‘Ehsaas Punjab Masawaat Programme’ was a unique programme under which transgender people were being facilitated.

The SACM said that under this programme, disabled transgender persons between the age of 18 and 40 were being given Rs2,000 per month, while transgender persons above 40 years were being given Rs3,000 per month.

She said that incumbent government is giving priority to the less privileged segment of society in all its projects.

She said that CM Usman Buzdar announced a package of Rs9 billion in Bhakkar and brought the people of Bhakkar in the mainstream of development.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/352267-pun...gender-persons

**transparent opacity** · 3rd January 2022, 14:48

Punjab govt launches financial aid for transgender persons

RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has formally launched an extensive monthly financial aid programme dubbed a ‘Masawaat Programme’ for transgender persons across the province under the auspices of the Punjab Social Protection Authority.

The programme will provide financial assistance of Rs3,000 per month to transgender persons over 40 years of age and Rs2,000 to transgender people with disabilities between the age of 18 and 40 years.

The Punjab government has asked members of the transgender community to get themselves registered with NADRA under the category of ‘transgender’ to avail the financial aid. Those with disabilities have been asked to produce an authentic certificate of disability.

The Punjab Social Protection Authority has urged transgender persons all over Punjab to register with NADRA immediately to benefit from the programme. Registration for the scheme will continue till January 31. Beneficiaries of the programme will receive financial aid on their registered mobile phone numbers.

Commenting on the development, officials of the Punjab Social Protection Authority said that the organisation will also help transgender persons find gainful employment.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2336880...gender-persons

**transparent opacity** · 19th January 2022, 16:07

Meet Sara Gul, Pakistan's first transgender doctor

KARACHI: Sara Gul has made history after becoming Pakistan's first transgender doctor in a society where transgender persons have been treated as outcasts.

Some like Gul, however, continue to fight the discrimination and become successful in chasing their dreams.

Sara studied at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, which is an affiliate institution of Karachi University.

"I feel proud to become the first transgender doctor of Pakistan," Sara said.

She said that she intends to use her profession for the welfare and prosperity of other transgender persons.

Pakistan's transgender person have time and again proved that they are no less than any other member of society and lack no talent, but only opportunities, resources and equal rights.

Nisha Rao, who is a lawyer and activist, had recently become Pakistan's first transgender student to have been granted admission into an MPhil programme to study law. She will be doing her LLM degree from the University of Karachi.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/394105-sar...ecome-a-doctor

**transparent opacity** · 3rd March 2022, 14:53

Shariat court grills human rights ministry over transgender act reply

ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) grilled the Federal Ministry of Human Rights on Thursday over the response submitted regarding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018.

A three-member bench of the Shariat court headed by Chief Justice Mohammad Noor Meskanzai was hearing the case.

The CJ summoned the director-general of the HR ministry seeking explanation over the response submitted by the ministry.

Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwar asked if the human rights ministry was endorsing homosexuality. The judge also questioned the legal adviser of the ministry over the response.

Justice Anwar said the ministry's reply mentioned Yogakarta. “Do you know what Yogakarta is,” he rhetorically asked. “It is a law that seeks to end legislation against same-sex marriage across the world,” he went on to add.

Justice Anwar said the government also mentioned LBGT rights in its response. “Who wrote this letter,” he further asked. “Do you know what LGBT rights are,” the judge asked the legal adviser. “Is the Ministry of Human Rights supporting LGBT rights in Pakistan,” Justice Anwar questioned.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 is designed to protect transgender people, Justice Anwar said, adding that the response made it seem like the government wanted to end the protections granted to the trans people.

He said if the director general failed to clarify the response then the government will summon the secretary and the HR minister in the case. Justice Anwar said the court cannot “copy-paste” its response from the internet and submit it to the bench.

The case was adjourned till Friday.

The petitioners in the case are trans lecturer Ayesha Mughal, Bubbly Malik and Orya Maqbool Jan. Jan had argued against the bill at the last hearing, claiming that the bill was a "first step towards same-sex marriages".

During a hearing in October last year, the court had also sought the help of the attorney general in the matter.

In 2018, the National Assembly had passed the controversial The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 that aims to help the marginalised community to get their rights but has some provisions which are declared as un-Islamic by certain quarters.

Prior to the voting on the bill, which aims to ‘provide for protection, relief and rehabilitation of rights of the transgender persons’, MNA Naeema Kishwer of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) had said there were some serious flaws in the bill that need to be rectified.

She had suggested that the bill should be referred to the standing committee for detailed review and deliberation. She also moved a motion and amendments to refer the bill to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and the standing committee but these suggestions were rejected.

In November last year, a Jamaat-e-Islami senator had sought amendments in the bill. He sought the formation of a medical board that would recommend whether a person's gender should change, instead of them seeking a reassignment on the basis of their personal identity.

Opposing the bill, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari had said the proposed amendment was aimed at "victimising" transgender persons as the current law gave them the right to identity.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2346204...nder-act-reply

**MenInG** · 29th May 2022, 11:22

A Pakistani movie featuring a daring portrait of a transgender dancer in the Muslim country on Friday won the Cannes "Queer Palm" prize for best LGBT, "queer" or feminist-themed movie, the jury head told AFP.

"Joyland" by director Saim Sadiq, a tale of sexual revolution, tells the story of the youngest son in a patriarchal family who is expected to produce a baby boy with his wife.

He instead joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for the troupe's director, a trans woman.

It is the first-ever Pakistani competitive entry at the Cannes festival and on Friday also won the Jury Prize in the "Un Certain Regard" competition, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent.

"It's a very powerful film, that represents everything that we stand for," "Queer Palm" jury head, French director Catherine Corsini, told AFP.

**MenInG** · 21st September 2022, 16:49

ہم جنس پرستی والا ٹرانسجینڈر ایکٹ مئی 2018 میں جمعیت العلماء کے اتحادی شاھد خاقان عباسی کے دور میں پاس ہوا، اب پانچ سال بعد جے یو آئی نے مذمتی قرارداد پیش کی ، لیکن اتحادی پیپلز پارٹی نے اس کی مضبوطی کے لئے یہ ترمیم پیش کی ہے ۔فضل الرحمان کی قیادت میں کفر اور اسلام شانہ بہ شانہُ pic.twitter.com/jkxghcH7nn
— Orya Maqbool Jan (@OryaMaqboolJan) September 19, 2022

**Champ_Pal** · 21st September 2022, 19:02

Originally Posted by MenInG

A Pakistani movie featuring a daring portrait of a transgender dancer in the Muslim country on Friday won the Cannes "Queer Palm" prize for best LGBT, "queer" or feminist-themed movie, the jury head told AFP.

"Joyland" by director Saim Sadiq, a tale of sexual revolution, tells the story of the youngest son in a patriarchal family who is expected to produce a baby boy with his wife.

He instead joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for the troupe's director, a trans woman.

It is the first-ever Pakistani competitive entry at the Cannes festival and on Friday also won the Jury Prize in the "Un Certain Regard" competition, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent.

"It's a very powerful film, that represents everything that we stand for," "Queer Palm" jury head, French director Catherine Corsini, told AFP.

Was this movie released in Pakistan? How did the audience receive it?

**SalimBhai** · 21st September 2022, 20:38

How can I watch this film?

**MenInG** · 23rd September 2022, 01:37

Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday rejected criticism over the Transgender Persons (Protection of Right) Act, saying that “some friends” had created a misconception that the law had opened doors for homosexuality and was repugnant to Islamic injunctions.

The National Assembly had enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Right) Act in 2018 to provide legal recognition to transgender persons and ensure that discrimination against transgender persons in various walks of life shall be punishable.

The law was made after the Supreme Court held on Sept 25, 2012, that eunuchs were entitled to all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and enjoyed by other members of society.

However, recently the bill was opposed by some sections of society. At a press conference on Wednesday, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that it was against Islamic injunctions.

**MenInG** · 23rd September 2022, 15:21

After bagging several international awards, Saim Sadiq's Joyland will be released in Pakistan on November 24, reported Express PK. The Federal and Provincial censor boards have given a green light to the award-winning film.

Sadiq had always maintained that Joyland was meant to be watched by Pakistanis but the question of whether it could, had remained a matter of debate. But Saim has assured there is nothing in his film that could irk censor boards.

Reinstating that the film was always made to be viewed by Pakistanis – with the Cannes win being a cherry on top – he added, “I knew the intent was always to screen the film in Pakistan, this whole other thing of going to Cannes and stuff, that just happened. But I made the film to show it here.”

Joyland features a daring portrait of a transgender dancer in the Muslim country first made headlines when it won the Cannes Queer Palm prize for best LGBT, queer or feminist-themed movie. Sadiq's directorial, a tale of the sexual revolution, tells the story of the youngest son in a patriarchal family who is expected to produce a baby boy with his wife. He instead joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for the troupe's director, a trans woman.

It was the first-ever Pakistani competitive entry at the Cannes festival and also won the Jury Prize in the "Un Certain Regard" competition, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent. "It's a very powerful film, that represents everything that we stand for," Queer Palm jury head, French director Catherine Corsini, told AFP earlier.

Express Tribune

**MenInG** · 28th September 2022, 12:15

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Tuesday maintained that several provisions in the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018 were inconsistent with Shariah.

In a communique, the CII feared that the law might lead to “new social problems”.
The council stressed the need for protecting the rights of the actual intersex people – generally meaning a person with ambiguous genitalia and also known as hermaphrodite.

The council asked the government to form a committee to review the legislation on the transgender community.

It added that Islamic clerics and scholars as well as legal and medical experts should be included in this body.

The council stressed the need for reviewing all aspect of this matter so that there could be an effective law on the issue.

The CII also appreciated the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

It urged the government to incorporate the recommendations made by the CII in the law.

A day earlier, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani said the committee formed to consider the recently submitted amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act would duly consult religious scholars and the CII if required.

The 2018 Act for transgender persons defined their gender identity and prohibited discrimination against them.

The law ensured issuing of certificate of identity to transgender persons and provided that no establishment shall discriminate against them in matters relating to employment, recruitment, promotion and other related issues.
It also provided for grievance redressal mechanism for the community in each establishment.

The act defined “transgender person” as a person who was (i) intersex (khusra) with a mixture of male and female genital features or congenital ambiguities: or (ii) a eunuch assigned male at birth, but underwent genital excision or castration; or (iii) a transgender man, transgender woman, khawaja sira or any person whose gender identity or gender expression differed from the social norms and cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at the time of their birth.

The section 3(1) – Recognition of identity of transgender person – stated that a transgender person shall have the right to be recognised as per his or her “self-perceived” gender identity, as such, in accordance with the provisions of this act.
Section 3(2) also read that a person recognised as transgender under sub-section (l) shall have the right to have himself or herself registered as per “self-perceived gender” identity with all government departments including, but not limited to, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The sub-clause 3 stated that every transgender person, being a citizen of Pakistan, who had attained the age of 18 years, shall have the right to let himself or herself registered according to self-perceived gender identity with NADRA on Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), Child Registration Certificate (CRC), driving license and passport in accordance with the provisions of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000 or any other relevant laws.

The fourth clause of the section stated that a transgender person to whom a CNIC had already been issued by NADRA shall be allowed to change the name and gender according to his or her self-perceived identity on the card, CRC, driving licence and passport in accordance with the provisions of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000.

The chapter on prohibition of certain acts read that no person shall discriminate against a transgender person at educational institutes; deny or give unfair treatment in relation to employment, trade or occupation, and deny healthcare facilities.

The use of public facilities of transportation and accommodation could not be denied under the law.

It also ensured the right to movement, sale, purchase, rent or inherit moveable or immovable property; provided the opportunity to stand for public or private office and prohibited harassment based on their sex, gender identity and gender expression.

The act made it obligatory on the government to establish centres and safe houses to ensure rescue, protection and rehabilitation of transgender persons in addition to providing medical facilities, psychological care, counselling and adult education to transgender persons.

It also stated that the government should establish separate prisons, jails and confinement cells for transgender persons involved in any kind of offences, formulate special vocational training programmes, encourage them to start small business by providing incentives, loans and grants.

Under the law, transgender persons had the right to inherit, education, employment, vote, hold public office, health, assembly, property; access to public places; and guarantee of fundamental rights.

Express Tribune

**MenInG** · 30th September 2022, 17:47

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), an ally of the government and part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has challenged the Transgender Protection Act, 2018, in the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) on Friday.

In the petition, the JUI-F requested that the act be declared against Shariat, adding that “no law can be made against Quran and Sunnah in the country”.

The FSC fixed the party's application for a preliminary hearing on Monday, October 3.

On September 26, the Transgender Act Amendment Bill 2022 related to the protection of transgenders had been presented in the House by PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad and was then handed over to the relevant Standing Committee by the Chairman Senate.

In recent days, the high-level meeting of the Islamic Ideological Council also said that the transgender law may cause new social problems and that several provisions in the act as a whole are not compatible with Shariah principles.

The recently passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act by the National Assembly, was enacted in 2018. The law allows transgender persons equal rights to education, basic health facilities, writing their transgender identity on their identity cards and passports, besides the right to vote and contest elections.

However, some religious parties are of the opinion that this bill is actually an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality in the country. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also challenged the law in the Shariat court.

Earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, head of the JUI-F, had also said that the “law is against the teachings” of the Holy Quran and Sunnah and had added that he will submit amendments to it in parliament.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sirajul Haq had also stated that the Act was against Islamic Sharia.

Trans community outcry

The trans community of Pakistan had said that false propaganda was unleashed against the Transgender Protection Act, lamenting that labelling those fighting for equal rights for trans people as homosexuals tantamount to committing cruelty against them.

Amid criticism of the law by some religious parties, which perceive it as an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality, trans people say that the 2018 act neither mentions any kind of sex change nor did it allow ‘unnatural’ sex.

“There is no mention in this 11-page act that a man can marry another man or a woman can marry another woman,” transgender rights activist Zanaiah Chaudhry had told The Express Tribune while commenting on the criticism of the law.

Express Tribune

**MenInG** · 30th September 2022, 19:10

After much deliberation, Pakistan’s Oscars Selection Committee has shortlisted Joyland as the country’s submission to the 95th Academy Awards for the ‘International Feature Film Award’ category, stated a press release.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will choose the final nominees for all award categories including International Feature Film in December 2022. The complete and final list of Oscar nominees will be announced on January 24, 2023, with the presentation show for the 95th Academy Awards scheduled to take place on March 12, 2023.

Joyland' Review: A Queer Pakistani Drama About Desire | IndieWireWritten and directed by Saim Sadiq, and produced by Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann, Joyland features Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Salman Peerzada, Sohail Sameer and Sania Saeed.

“We are delighted to be able to send one of our best to compete at the Academy Awards this year. Joyland gives us hope that Pakistani cinema is finally leaving a mark on the world stage. This may just be the year we get noticed! Congratulations to the entire filmmaking team.” said Pakistan Oscar Committee chair, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Joyland: Taboo-tackling Pakistani film makes history at Cannes | Arts and Culture News | Al JazeeraSpeaking about the selection of his recent offering, writer and director Saim Sadiq has said, "I am humbled, thankful, and excited about this immense honor to represent Pakistan at the Oscars with a film that I truly believe is an honest and compassionate representation of who we are as people. I hope that the joys and sorrows of these characters foster empathy amongst the viewers in Pakistan and abroad. In the coming months, we will need many duas and good wishes from our people for the road ahead."

The director went on to add, "We always complain about how - despite the presence of many great artists in all fields - Pakistani art has remained grossly underrepresented in the world. This year, however, has been different already. So, I’ll take this moment to feel hopeful. With my gratitude to the selection committee, I wish the best of luck to Joyland and to Pakistan!"

Producers Apoorva Guru Charan and Sarmad Sultan Khoosat have said, "The journey of making Joyland has brought together the most wonderful team from around the world, united in a truly South-Asian, universally human story from Pakistan. We are so grateful to the committee - with this entry, we get to share Joyland with a larger audience. With love from Pakistan, to the world."

Pakistan film 'Joyland' debuts at Cannes - Life & Style - Business RecorderThe Saim Sadiq directorial is a befitting pick, granted its success at Cannes and following global acclaim. In May, the film won the Queer Palm prize for best LGBT, queer or feminist-themed movie at Cannes. The first-ever Pakistani competitive entry at the festival, the film also won the Jury Prize in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent.

Joyland beat several power-packed entries, including Close by Belgian director Lukas Dhont and Tchaikovsky's Wife by Kirill Serebrennikov. Both were hot contenders for the Cannes Festival's top Palme d'Or award. Joyland had left the Cannes audiences slack-jawed too, receiving roughly an over 10-minute standing ovation from the opening night's crowd.

After experiencing raging applause in France, the short queer drama won another award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Joyland won in the Best Film from the Subcontinent category at the prestigious festival.

Transgender actor from Pakistan Alina Khan makes red carpet debut at Cannes Film Festival 2022 - Henry Club - Bharat Times English NewsA tale of the sexual revolution, Joyland tells the story of the youngest son in a patriarchal family who is expected to produce a baby boy with his wife. He, instead, joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for the troupe's director, a trans woman.

About Joyland, Saim had shared with The Express Tribune, “Emotionally, observationally, if I’ve seen a vulnerable moment in my mother or aunt, I have inculcated that in Joyland. When you feel, you don’t belong to that boys’ club, how it doesn’t come naturally to you, you start wondering if it makes you any less of a man. When you’re not interested in cricket or having other ‘masculine traits’, you start questioning the notion of masculinity. Why those nuances are so strict? Why do they stifle you unnecessarily? Those things did make their way into the film. Understanding the privilege that comes with being a man also made its way into Joyland.”

The award-winning film is set to release in Pakistan on November 18.

The film will mark the ninth submission by the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee having previously submitted Zinda Bhaag in 2013, Dukhtar in 2014, MOOR in 2015, Mah-e-Mir in 2016, Saawan in 2017, Cake in 2018, Lal Kabootar in 2019 and Zindagi Tamasha in 2020 to represent the best of Pakistani cinema for award consideration in the International Feature Film category.

The Oscar Committee for 2022 is chaired by two-time Academy Award and Emmy-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and includes Ali Sethi [Musician], Omar Shahid Hamid [Author/Script Writer], Rafay Mahmood [Film Critic], Samina Ahmad [Actress, Producer and Director], Jerjees Seja [TV and Film Producer], Bee Gul [Screenwriter and Director], Rizwan Beyg [Fashion Designer], Mo Azmi [Cinematographer] and Zeba Bakhtiar [Actress].

An international film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States of America and its territories with a predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue track. Animated and documentary feature films are permitted.

Express Tribune

**MenInG** · 1st October 2022, 13:28

Religious parties have rejected the transgender rights bill, while giving a deadline of October 7 to the federal government to withdraw it.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq said that if the government does not show seriousness, all religious parties will protest at Shuhada Mosque in Lahore along with a large crowd.

Following a consultative meeting of religious parties in Mansoorah, the JI chief said that the bill is against the Holy Quran and Sunnah and against the Constitution of Pakistan. He termed it part of a western agenda, adding that three major parties were on the same page on the issue.

Siraj said that he was not against the rights of transgender persons, rather he was concerned that the controversial bill would destroy the family system.

The JI chief said that a gathering of all religious parties would be held on October 7.

He further said that the transgender rights bill is more dangerous than the atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Japan in 1945.

He added that he will contact Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sajid Mir, Allama Nasir Abbas and other religious leaders on the issue.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), an ally of the government and part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has challenged the Transgender Protection Act, 2018, in the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) on Friday.

In the petition, the JUI-F requested that the act be declared against Shariat, adding that “no law can be made against Quran and Sunnah in the country”.

The FSC fixed the party's application for a preliminary hearing on Monday, October 3.

On September 26, the Transgender Act Amendment Bill 2022 related to the protection of transgenders had been presented in the House by PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad and was then handed over to the relevant Standing Committee by the Chairman Senate.

In recent days, the high-level meeting of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) also said that the transgender law may cause new social problems and that several provisions in the act as a whole are not compatible with Shariah principles.

The recently passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act by the National Assembly was enacted in 2018. The law allows transgender persons equal rights to education, basic health facilities, writing their transgender identity on their identity cards and passports, besides the right to vote and contest elections.

However, some religious parties are of the opinion that this bill is actually an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality in the country. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also challenged the law in the Shariat court.

Earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, head of the JUI-F, had also said that the “law is against the teachings” of the Holy Quran and Sunnah and had added that he will submit amendments to it in parliament.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sirajul Haq had also stated that the Act was against Islamic Sharia.

The trans community of Pakistan had said that false propaganda was unleashed against the Transgender Protection Act, lamenting that labelling those fighting for equal rights for trans people as homosexuals was tantamount to committing cruelty against them.

Amid criticism of the law by some religious parties, which perceive it as an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality, trans people say that the 2018 act neither mentions any kind of sex change nor did it allow ‘unnatural’ sex.

“There is no mention in this 11-page act that a man can marry another man or a woman can marry another woman,” transgender rights activist Zanaiah Chaudhry had told The Express Tribune while commenting on the criticism of the law.

**Loralai** · 1st October 2022, 13:55

Unfortunately our religious parties represent the most backward sentiments in this respect. These parties should focus on uplifting minorities rather than attacking them. We should support transgender community instead of trying to satisfy molvis who have destroyed fabric of our country. If you give them an inch they will take a mile.

**SalimBhai** · 3rd October 2022, 06:48

Universal human rights should be above your religious sentiments.

**daytrader** · 20th October 2022, 11:54

TRANSGENDER PERSONS ACT CHALLENGED IN LHC

LAHORE: The Transgender Persons Act 2018 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, ARY News reported.

Advocate Muddasir Chaudhry challenged the Transgender Persons Act, claiming that the law was in contradiction with Islamic principles.

The federal government and other concerned have been made respondents in the case.

The law should be declared against Shariat, the petition stated, maintaining that the rules of the act are in contradiction with the ground realities of Pakistan.

The LHC has been pleaded to strike down Transgender Persons Act.

It may be noted that the Federal Shariat Court is also hearing the Transgender Persons Act. The plea was moved by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamat-e-Islami (JI).

Earlier, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) deemed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) (Amendment) Bill, 2022 un-Islamic and not in line with the Shariat.

In a statement, the top religious body said that many sections of the Transgender Act 2018 are not in conformity with Islamic teachings and could add to social problems in the country.

The CII asked the federal government to form a committee to review the transgender act and considered including legal experts and religious scholars in the committee.

ARY

**MenInG** · 13th November 2022, 13:01

After earning accolades at Cannes, winning hearts at the international festival circuit and being considered favourites for a nomination at the Golden Globes, Pakistan’s submission to the Oscars may not see any joy in its own land. A letter initiated by a senator accompanied by Joyland’s rather tabooed themes of trans love may just end up working against its Pakistan release.

On Saturday, Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed tweeted a letter initiated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcast that deemed the previously certified film ‘uncertified’.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2386137...mmoral-content

**daytrader** · 15th November 2022, 12:48

PM Shehbaz Sharif takes notice of ‘Joyland’ ban, forms review committee
'Joyland' was originally set to release on November 18th, 2022, until Pakistan Censorship Board cancelled the release

Salman Sufi, head of PM’s Strategic Reforms, announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set up a committee to review the ban on movie Joyland.

Sufi tweeted out the announcement on Monday, November 14, 2022, mentioning that the premier “constituted a high-level committee to assess” the “complaints as well as merits to decide on its release in Pakistan.”

Sufi also thanked Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb for her efforts.

Expressing his personal reviews on the ban, Sufi had previously tweeted that he was not in favour of the ban on films. “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced by marginalized segments of our society. People should be trusted to watch & make their own mind.”

Joyland, directed by Saim Sadiq, helmed by ALL CAPS and Sarmad Khoosat Films was originally set to release on November 18th, 2022, until Pakistan Censorship Board cancelled the release of Cannes Award Winner.

The movie has received worldwide recognition and accolades after it won the feminist-themed award at the prestigious the Cannes Film Festival.

The film, which portrays the struggles of transgender persons, was to be Pakistan’s first official entry for the Oscars. However, for it to be eligible, it had to be released in the country a week before November 30, 2022.

According to Sadiq, the film was initially approved by all three censor boards in Pakistan back in August 2022.

Following the news of the man, there was an uproar on social media protesting the ban on the movie. Notable names in the industry from Pakistan raised their voices which included Sarwat Gillani, Osman Khalid Butt, Adnan Malik, Sanam Saeed. Alexandra Daddario also expressed her support for the film.

Author Fatima Bhutto and Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousufzai also spoke out against the ban.

“Any country should be proud to have a film like Joyland, winning awards all over the world, and equally proud to stand up to narrow minded bigots who only damage Pakistan’s reputation,” tweeted out Fatima Bhutto on Sunday.

The News PK

**RajBan** · 15th November 2022, 14:46

Is it available online?

**BunnyRabbit** · 15th November 2022, 16:27

Think we need to differentiate the transgender community(born due to developmental anomalies) and those who voluntarily undergo gender transformation through surgeries and hormonal therapy(wachiowskis, bruce jenner etc type)

In Pakistan, 99% of the transgenders are born due to developmental anomalies. They are treated very harshly and are unable to find proper jobs or education. Majority of them are disowned by their parents and thrown into oblivion.

**ex-q-zit** · 15th November 2022, 20:56

PM Shehbaz Sharif constitutes committee to 'deliberate on complaints against Joyland'

Saim Sadiq, the director of Pakistan’s Oscar entry, Joyland, said on Monday that the producers of the film were working with the government to “amicably” remove the ban on its release in cinemas, as per Arab News.

Prior to this, Salman Sufi, a key government advisor, had tweeted on Sunday that he would request his friend Marriyum Aurangzeb to "see if it’s possible to review the ban and meet team Joyland." He wrote in response to the widespread outcry sparked by the ban, “I personally do not believe in banning films that highlight issues faced by marginalized segments of our society. People should be trusted to watch and make their own mind."

On Monday night, he declared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a "high-level" committee to “assess the complaints as well as merits to decide on its [Joyland's] release in Pakistan." He then thanked Aurangzeb for her efforts.

Following this, a notice issued by the Prime Minister's Office Islamabad confirmed that a committee will "deliberate on complaints against the Urdu film Joyland." The notice revealed that this committee would include the Minister of Political Affairs, Economic Affairs and Law & Justice Chairperson, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Communications, Minister for Board and Investment, Minister for Information and Technology, Advisor to Prime Minister on Gilgit-Baltistan, Chairman PTA and Chairman PEMRA.

It further stated that the committee would submitt its report by November 15.

The Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) had issued Joyland a clearance certificate for release in August. But in a notification issued last week, the information ministry said that the federal government had declared it “repugnant to the norms of decency and morality," declaring instead that it was an “uncertified film”. The film was due to release across Pakistan on November 18.

Tribune

**ex-q-zit** · 16th November 2022, 22:37

Will Pakistan speak up against the ban on ‘Joyland’?

LAHORE: The globally acclaimed and multiple award-winning Joyland, is the latest victim of the ban policies of the country of its origin. Directed by Saim Sadiq, the film was set to have a commercial release in Pakistan on November 18 after receiving clearance from the federal and two provincial censorship boards, until came the Federal Ministry for Information and Broadcasting’s bombshell: Joyland is banned.

On my timeline, tweet after tweet condemning the ban on Joyland, it was as if Pakistan was fighting the institutional and societal unacceptability of the other. The sane and enlightened voices may not be many and loud enough to pierce the rigidity of the so-called rule makers. But it shows a Pakistan backstepping, gingerly, from the norms that further hurt those who are marginalised, judged, persecuted, and penalized all their lives.

Struck by the backlash Joyland has received and to discover the reality of it amidst the blind furore that has erupted, I got in touch with Rasti Farooq, who plays Mumtaz, one of the principal characters of Joyland. Rasti is a Lahore-based actor, writer and producer who has starred in several short films and theatre productions and has also co-written and produced award winning animated short films Swipe and Shehr-e-Tabassum.

The Express Tribune (ET): Is Joyland based on a true story or a fictionalised representation of so many societal wrongs that are suppressed under silence, “shame” and “honour”?

Rasti Farooq (RT): Joyland is a fictionalised story like any other film. The way Saim [director] has described it at film festivals, it is a collection of his observations growing up in Pakistan his whole life—things that he observed in his family, his circle of friends. How we treat one another, our biases, how we love, how we sometimes choose to give into fear.

For me, the story gently asks you to reflect upon our thinking, what we perceive to be our cultural norms that are often very stifling, limitations and impositions that we make on people around us—whether that’s men or women or people from vulnerable groups in Pakistan. “Joyland” asks you to look at the cost of that on individual lives and our collective humanity.

ET: How long was the process of writing and making of Joyland?

RF: Joyland was completed in six years. Saim started writing it six years ago. He wrote many drafts. In his mind, he was trying to write the most honest story about us and our people. He was also trying to write the most empathetic story that he could.

We started shooting last year in October, and the shoot took about two and a half months. About six months later, we found out that Joyland had been selected in the Cannes Film Festival. It was incredibly exciting as it all happened very quickly. Once we found out about Cannes, we had about three weeks to finish colouring and editing. We did that as quickly as possible so that we could submit the final cut to Cannes.

ET: What has been the reaction of Pakistanis who have seen Joyland?

RF: We have travelled with the film to six countries so far. We went to Cannes Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2022, Melbourne International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. I went to the Zurich Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. Saim went to the American Film Institute Fest in Los Angeles.

Any country that we visited we have had a huge crowd of Pakistanis as well as Indians showing up to watch the film. They showered us with appreciation, stayed for Q&As and stayed back after Q&As to talk to us how this film made them feel.

Across the board, in any country, there are a few things that people say to us repeatedly. That the film stays with them for days. Every single character moves them because they can relate to at least one of the characters in the film. It’s an ensemble cast; the film follows several characters. They can relate to these characters. Their hearts break for these characters. They fall in love with these characters. The way the film says what it says they find it incredibly moving and poignant.

It inspires hope that something as marvellous as this film has come out of Pakistan. A complete Pakistani endeavour, and they got to watch it all over the world.

ET: First passed and then banned, what is the full story of Pakistan’s Censor Board’s acceptance and rejection of the movie?

RF: All three censor boards—Federal Censor Board, Sindh Censor Board and Punjab Censor Board—watched and approved “Joyland” in August and September. They certified the film for screenings in Pakistan, and that is why we released the trailer with November 18 as the date for release in Pakistan.

A few days ago, we were informed—actually, we weren’t informed—we found out through social media that the Ministry for Information had issued a notice in which they said that they had not only retracted those certificates that they had given to the film for screenings in Pakistan, but that the Ministry and Federal Censor Board were ordering the Punjab and Sindh censor boards to also redact their previous certificates. This is an unconstitutional act because the Federal Board under the Eighteenth Amendment does not have the legal authority to order the two provincial boards that are autonomous.

We know it to be a fact that this has only happened because of the pressure that the Ministry for Information has faced from various sections within Pakistan who want to malign the film.

Our hope now is that we can appeal to the Pakistani public and people who hold positions of power in Pakistan and point out the fact that not only is this ban unconstitutional, but it also harms the arts industry in Pakistan. We are highlighting the fact that this film that is being recognized all over the world cannot and should not be banned in Pakistan. Pakistani public should be allowed to watch Joyland and then decide for themselves whether they like it or not.

ET: What is the significance of the message of Joyland in today’s Pakistan that is deeply polarized and divided in binaries of “us” and “others”?

RF: We cannot deny the fact that Pakistan suffers immensely from gender-based, sectarian, and ethnic violence. That is our reality. Hundreds of cases occur every year, and that is really demoralizing for Pakistanis. I am a Pakistani, and I know how it feels. Joyland is a hopeful message. This film’s intent is to reignite empathy and to ask its audiences to look at the dire consequences of our prejudices. It asks us to empathize and to change that dark reality of Pakistan—to be less polarized in our views of who the other is and the imagined threat that the other holds. It’s wonderful that our country is made up of all kinds of people. There is so much diversity here, and that should be celebrated and owned. It’s incredible that a film manages to say all that in such a beautiful and sensitive way without being disparaging, without being cynical. That is the significance of Joyland for me.

Joyland is doing this extremely urgent and important task while managing to gain worldwide recognition for the way the story is told, for the way the story is portrayed by its actors, for the way the film has been shot. It’s being celebrated for all aspects of filmmaking.

Everybody, unanimously, agrees that it is a moving story. Someone thought of saying a very difficult thing and did it in the most beautiful and sensitive way, moving audiences across the world. People who don’t know very much about Pakistan, its contexts, and the things that our communities are fraught with can choose to look at us as human beings, as anybody else with their issues, and empathize with us. That is the most remarkable thing about this film.

It’s ironic that some people hold that to be the film’s fault. It’s ironic that a film that is gently asking us to consider the consequences of our biases and the way that we treat people around us and the way that we are fearful of love and the way that our patriarchal systems and cultural norms can somehow really harm people—whether that’s a man or a woman or a person from a vulnerable community—is considered a “threat” to Pakistan. Joyland is the opposite of a threat. To any individual, or Pakistan collectively.

Tribune

**SalimBhai** · 16th November 2022, 22:40

Originally Posted by ex-q-zit

Will Pakistan speak up against the ban on ‘Joyland’?

LAHORE: The globally acclaimed and multiple award-winning Joyland, is the latest victim of the ban policies of the country of its origin. Directed by Saim Sadiq, the film was set to have a commercial release in Pakistan on November 18 after receiving clearance from the federal and two provincial censorship boards, until came the Federal Ministry for Information and Broadcasting’s bombshell: Joyland is banned.

On my timeline, tweet after tweet condemning the ban on Joyland, it was as if Pakistan was fighting the institutional and societal unacceptability of the other. The sane and enlightened voices may not be many and loud enough to pierce the rigidity of the so-called rule makers. But it shows a Pakistan backstepping, gingerly, from the norms that further hurt those who are marginalised, judged, persecuted, and penalized all their lives.

Struck by the backlash Joyland has received and to discover the reality of it amidst the blind furore that has erupted, I got in touch with Rasti Farooq, who plays Mumtaz, one of the principal characters of Joyland. Rasti is a Lahore-based actor, writer and producer who has starred in several short films and theatre productions and has also co-written and produced award winning animated short films Swipe and Shehr-e-Tabassum.

The Express Tribune (ET): Is Joyland based on a true story or a fictionalised representation of so many societal wrongs that are suppressed under silence, “shame” and “honour”?

Rasti Farooq (RT): Joyland is a fictionalised story like any other film. The way Saim [director] has described it at film festivals, it is a collection of his observations growing up in Pakistan his whole life—things that he observed in his family, his circle of friends. How we treat one another, our biases, how we love, how we sometimes choose to give into fear.

For me, the story gently asks you to reflect upon our thinking, what we perceive to be our cultural norms that are often very stifling, limitations and impositions that we make on people around us—whether that’s men or women or people from vulnerable groups in Pakistan. “Joyland” asks you to look at the cost of that on individual lives and our collective humanity.

ET: How long was the process of writing and making of Joyland?

RF: Joyland was completed in six years. Saim started writing it six years ago. He wrote many drafts. In his mind, he was trying to write the most honest story about us and our people. He was also trying to write the most empathetic story that he could.

We started shooting last year in October, and the shoot took about two and a half months. About six months later, we found out that Joyland had been selected in the Cannes Film Festival. It was incredibly exciting as it all happened very quickly. Once we found out about Cannes, we had about three weeks to finish colouring and editing. We did that as quickly as possible so that we could submit the final cut to Cannes.

ET: What has been the reaction of Pakistanis who have seen Joyland?

RF: We have travelled with the film to six countries so far. We went to Cannes Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2022, Melbourne International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. I went to the Zurich Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. Saim went to the American Film Institute Fest in Los Angeles.

Any country that we visited we have had a huge crowd of Pakistanis as well as Indians showing up to watch the film. They showered us with appreciation, stayed for Q&As and stayed back after Q&As to talk to us how this film made them feel.

Across the board, in any country, there are a few things that people say to us repeatedly. That the film stays with them for days. Every single character moves them because they can relate to at least one of the characters in the film. It’s an ensemble cast; the film follows several characters. They can relate to these characters. Their hearts break for these characters. They fall in love with these characters. The way the film says what it says they find it incredibly moving and poignant.

It inspires hope that something as marvellous as this film has come out of Pakistan. A complete Pakistani endeavour, and they got to watch it all over the world.

ET: First passed and then banned, what is the full story of Pakistan’s Censor Board’s acceptance and rejection of the movie?

RF: All three censor boards—Federal Censor Board, Sindh Censor Board and Punjab Censor Board—watched and approved “Joyland” in August and September. They certified the film for screenings in Pakistan, and that is why we released the trailer with November 18 as the date for release in Pakistan.

A few days ago, we were informed—actually, we weren’t informed—we found out through social media that the Ministry for Information had issued a notice in which they said that they had not only retracted those certificates that they had given to the film for screenings in Pakistan, but that the Ministry and Federal Censor Board were ordering the Punjab and Sindh censor boards to also redact their previous certificates. This is an unconstitutional act because the Federal Board under the Eighteenth Amendment does not have the legal authority to order the two provincial boards that are autonomous.

We know it to be a fact that this has only happened because of the pressure that the Ministry for Information has faced from various sections within Pakistan who want to malign the film.

Our hope now is that we can appeal to the Pakistani public and people who hold positions of power in Pakistan and point out the fact that not only is this ban unconstitutional, but it also harms the arts industry in Pakistan. We are highlighting the fact that this film that is being recognized all over the world cannot and should not be banned in Pakistan. Pakistani public should be allowed to watch Joyland and then decide for themselves whether they like it or not.

ET: What is the significance of the message of Joyland in today’s Pakistan that is deeply polarized and divided in binaries of “us” and “others”?

RF: We cannot deny the fact that Pakistan suffers immensely from gender-based, sectarian, and ethnic violence. That is our reality. Hundreds of cases occur every year, and that is really demoralizing for Pakistanis. I am a Pakistani, and I know how it feels. Joyland is a hopeful message. This film’s intent is to reignite empathy and to ask its audiences to look at the dire consequences of our prejudices. It asks us to empathize and to change that dark reality of Pakistan—to be less polarized in our views of who the other is and the imagined threat that the other holds. It’s wonderful that our country is made up of all kinds of people. There is so much diversity here, and that should be celebrated and owned. It’s incredible that a film manages to say all that in such a beautiful and sensitive way without being disparaging, without being cynical. That is the significance of Joyland for me.

Joyland is doing this extremely urgent and important task while managing to gain worldwide recognition for the way the story is told, for the way the story is portrayed by its actors, for the way the film has been shot. It’s being celebrated for all aspects of filmmaking.

Everybody, unanimously, agrees that it is a moving story. Someone thought of saying a very difficult thing and did it in the most beautiful and sensitive way, moving audiences across the world. People who don’t know very much about Pakistan, its contexts, and the things that our communities are fraught with can choose to look at us as human beings, as anybody else with their issues, and empathize with us. That is the most remarkable thing about this film.

It’s ironic that some people hold that to be the film’s fault. It’s ironic that a film that is gently asking us to consider the consequences of our biases and the way that we treat people around us and the way that we are fearful of love and the way that our patriarchal systems and cultural norms can somehow really harm people—whether that’s a man or a woman or a person from a vulnerable community—is considered a “threat” to Pakistan. Joyland is the opposite of a threat. To any individual, or Pakistan collectively.

Tribune

The film is getting great reviews.

**SalimBhai** · 17th November 2022, 03:11

Seems the Pakistan government has cleared it for release

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