Karachi : A consultative meeting with the transgender community was held in Karachi under the chairmanship of Sukhdev Hemnani, Spokesperson for the Government of Sindh and Member, Sindh Human Rights Commission , with participation from key community representatives.
Participants included Advocate Nisha Rao; Chandani Shah, Member Karachi Municipal Corporation; Aradhiya Khan, Member, Prime Minister’s National Youth Council; Zehrish Soomro, Program Manager representative of Gender Interactive Alliance and Member Town Committee Safoora Town; Dr. Sarah Gill and others.
The meeting focused on accelerating implementation of key policy commitments and resolving on-ground bottlenecks.
Hemnani stated that Sindh remains the first province to allocate a 0.5% job quota for the transgender community and directed relevant departments to ensure its effective enforcement. He emphasized that the Government of Sindh will closely oversee implementation and ensure compliance across departments.
The plan to operationalize transgender facilitation desks at the district level was reviewed, aimed at improving access to public services and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms.
Progress on the transgender education policy was also assessed, following Sindh Cabinet approval, aligned with the inclusive vision of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Public health outreach, particularly HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment services for vulnerable groups, was identified as a priority area requiring targeted expansion.
Representatives of the transgender community highlighted issues in registration under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The Government of Sindh assured that procedural bottlenecks will be addressed to facilitate smooth access for eligible individuals.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Hemnani stated that the focus will remain on delivery and enforcement to ensure meaningful inclusion of the transgender community across Sindh.
