Social and Legal Issues of Trans-Genders in Pakistan
This essay is about the Social and Legal Issues of Trans-Genders in Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world for transgender people. They do not enjoy their social, political, economic and legal rights. The community has been facing formidable discrimination since the inception of Pakistan. Most of the trans children are brutally killed while others are adopted by the transgender Gurus. Families deprive them of their property rights. Further, they face multifaceted challenges to survive in their community. Their gurus force them to beg and dance. Consequently, they have become items in functions and festivals. They face disgusting harassment while making their survival out of alms and dance. Their identity is being considered a stigma in society.
People from every faction of our society, look down upon them. They are discriminated against at each nook and corner of Pakistan. Owing to the stigmatized character and under overwhelming social pressure, they are not acceptable to families and societies. Truly speaking, their discrimination is not due to biological reasons but because of cultural insensitivity. People are not ready to stand by them to weed out their discrimination. No practical measures are adopted by governments to ensure their safeguard in the state of Pakistan. They are not given proper education and as a result, they cannot apply for any job and remain dependent economically. However, there is an indirect constitutional guarantee to this community but still, the grave issue is not practically addressed.
- Social and Legal Issues of Trans-Genders in Pakistan
There are many articles in the Constitution of Pakistan that ensure the equality of all citizens. Similarly, legislation is made by the parliament to stop criminal negligence towards this community. Articles 4 and 9 of the constitution of Pakistan guard the rights of the people and give them security. Subsequently, article 25 ensures the equality of all citizens without any gender discrimination. Article 25(a) gives the right to education and article 36(a) makes sure the promotion of backward classes of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the constitution is never applicable in its true spirit over transgender people. Our constitution ought to directly ensure the rights of trans-genders. Moreover, Pakistan’s legislative assembly has passed a number of acts to safeguard the rights of transgender people. In 2010 and 2018, our parliament has passed laws to provide trans-genders with their rights. Besides, the laws have never been implemented in letter and spirit. Trans-genders face shameful discrimination by police. They do not listen to complaints of trans-genders let alone justice.
With a deep sigh, it is an admitted fact that our society as a whole has never considered trans-genders as human beings. They have dreadful plight in society as sex workers and prostitutes. Besides all this, there must be awareness among the people to understand the agonizing stories of these people. Our media, governments, civil society and especially individuals must step forward to solve their problems. It must be understood that they are just differently able gender. Central and Provincial governments should lay down practical measures instead of relying on paperwork. Parents must teach their children to respect them. In this way, Pakistan will be able to mitigate this national issue.