ISLAMABAD: Federal Shariat Court (FSC) Chief Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwer directed Ministry of Human Rights to establish specialised child protection centre for transgender children and form monitoring committee.

A full bench of FSC comprising Chief Justice Anwer and Justice Khadim Hussain Shaikh heard petition regarding Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. Representatives from trans community were also present at hearing, with member of Khwaja Sira community expressing concern over worsening situation of community.

FSC CJ remarked that human rights ministry did not appear sincere in ensuring rights to transgender children. Chief justice directed ministry to establish and monitor specialised child protection centre for transgender children and constitute monitoring committee of experts, including chairperson of national commission for human rights as its ex-Officio Member, CEO of Pakistan Sweet Home Zamurrad Khan, Chairperson of Akhuwat Foundation Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib and Nadeem-uz-Zafar Khan alias Kashish, an intersex individual and activist for trans peoples’ rights.

Furthermore, court directed secretary of human rights ministry to submit complete report with standard operating procedures regarding the establishment and initiation of child protection centre within 20 days.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2022

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