Oshaz Fatima
In the heart of South Asia lies Pakistan, a country with a rich cultural tapestry and a diverse populace. Yet, amid this diversity, the transgender community—locally known as khwaja siras or hijras—continues to struggle against systemic marginalization, discrimination, and inequality. Despite some recent strides in legislative progress, the lived realities of transgender individuals remain grim, highlighting the urgent need for societal and governmental reform.
Pakistan’s transgender population was recorded as approximately 10,000 in the 2017 census. However, advocacy groups argue that the true number is likely much higher, as many transgender individuals remain unaccounted for due to fear of stigmatization. Historically, this community has been relegated to the fringes of society, deprived of the basic rights guaranteed to all citizens under Pakistan’s Constitution. A staggering 93% of transgender individuals are abandoned by their families, forcing them to live in communal setups. Denied familial support, many are left with limited options for survival. With little to no access to education or formal employment, a significant portion of the community is coerced into begging or sex work to make ends meet.
The challenges faced by transgender individuals in Pakistan are multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal biases. Transgender individuals experience alarmingly high rates of violence and crime. Between 2015 and 2023, at least 91 transgender women were murdered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone, with over 2,000 reported cases of violence (UN Documents). However, only one conviction has been achieved, highlighting glaring failures in the judicial system. These figures underscore the pressing need for systemic reforms to protect transgender lives.
Healthcare access for the transgender community in Pakistan is fraught with challenges, exacerbating their already vulnerable status. Many transgender individuals report being denied medical services altogether or subjected to discriminatory and degrading treatment by healthcare providers. According to a study by the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, over 50% of transgender individuals avoid seeking healthcare due to fear of mistreatment. The absence of gender-sensitive healthcare training among medical professionals means that transgender patients often face invasive questioning, ridicule, or outright neglect. Specialized healthcare facilities for transgender individuals are almost non-existent, leaving them without access to critical services such as hormone therapy, mental health support, or treatment for chronic illnesses. Mental health is a particularly pressing concern, as studies indicate that rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are disproportionately high in this community. Without inclusive healthcare policies and training programs, these disparities will only deepen.
Education, a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25A of Pakistan’s Constitution, remains largely inaccessible to the transgender community. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that only 20% of transgender individuals in Pakistan have received formal education. Even among those who manage to enroll in schools, the experience is often fraught with bullying, harassment, and discrimination from both peers and teachers. The lack of inclusive curricula and training for educators perpetuates a hostile learning environment, leading to alarmingly high dropout rates among transgender students. For many, the classroom becomes a space of exclusion rather than empowerment. Without education, opportunities for upward mobility are almost non-existent, trapping the community in a cycle of poverty and dependency. Inclusive education policies, such as those implemented in Nepal, could serve as a model for Pakistan to ensure that transgender students are not left behind.
Employment opportunities are equally scarce. Discrimination in hiring practices means that many are denied jobs solely based on their gender identity, regardless of their qualifications or skills. The UNDP report highlights that over 80% of transgender individuals in Pakistan are unemployed, forcing them into informal sectors such as begging, dancing, or sex work, which expose them to exploitation and violence. Even in public sector jobs, where affirmative action policies could make a significant impact, there is little to no representation of transgender individuals. Private sector employers, too, have shown limited willingness to create inclusive workplaces. Without targeted employment initiatives, such as reserved quotas or incentives for hiring transgender employees, economic disparities will remain entrenched.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, was a landmark piece of legislation that granted transgender individuals the right to self-identify, inherit property, and access public services. However, enforcement of these laws remains weak, and many transgender individuals are unaware of their rights due to the lack of awareness campaigns. Police brutality, wrongful arrests, and unchecked violence against transgender people continue to be prevalent, reflecting the disconnect between legislative promises and on-ground realities.
Efforts to address these inequalities must also begin at a personal level. Change starts with each of us refusing to tolerate ridicule directed at transgender individuals, educating those around us about the importance of inclusivity, and striving for their inclusion in our respective fields. Whether as teachers, employers, or students, advocating for their participation in academic and professional spaces can make a significant impact. Offering mentorship, treating them with respect, and ensuring that educational institutions become safe and welcoming environments are small but vital steps. Healthcare professionals must commit to providing gender-sensitive care, and employers must actively create inclusive workplaces.
Awareness campaigns are equally critical in educating the public about the rights and humanity of transgender individuals. These campaigns should challenge stereotypes and biases, fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Community discussions and social media activism are powerful tools to break the cycle of silence and stigma that perpetuates their marginalization. On a societal level, targeted policies must be implemented to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and employment for transgender individuals. Governments should take inspiration from countries like Nepal and India, which have introduced affirmative action policies and anti-discrimination laws to protect and empower their transgender communities.
The plight of the transgender community is not just a failure of governance; it is a failure of society as a whole. As a nation, Pakistan cannot hope to achieve progress or prosperity while leaving behind a significant segment of its population. Change is not just necessary; it is inevitable. By combining personal efforts with systemic reforms, Pakistan can create a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive. The question is whether we are ready to take the first step.
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Warm Regards, Oshaz Fatima Final year MBBS student KEMU Email: oshazfatima2@gmail.com
