'First-ever' sports festival held for transgender community in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Pakistan has seen some positive progress of late when it came to provision of rights to the transgender community. From opening special schools to passage of ‘rights bill’ – it all happened for transgender persons in the last couple of months.

A recent development came to light when a sports festival was organized in Peshawar to highlight and acknowledge the transgender community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). A notable number of members from the community took part in the festivities.

The day-long festival was held at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. Reports say the festival was first of its kind in the city.

A cricket match, tug of war competition and a football match were also part of the competitions. Instructors for the games were also present and were guiding the players along for a better match.

Members from the Transgender in Quetta also participated in the event with much gusto. They appreciated the efforts made by the KPK government.

Previously the KPK government had also issued driving licenses to transgender personnel.

This move by the KP government was made after NADRA’s initiative in 2012 to provide three gender categories for the transgender community on the registration form computerized national identity cards.