ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar rejected baseless propaganda regarding Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill.

 Addressing a joint news conference along with Prime Minister’s Advisor Qamar Zaman Kaira here, he said it is not a new law as it was enacted in 2018. He said all political parties, including PML-N, PPP, PTI and others approved this law in 2018. He said Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan of Jamat-e-Islami has proposed an amendment to law to prevent its misuse. Law Minister said transgender people are also human beings and this legislation is meant to protect their rights, including inheritance, education, employment, health and purchasing property. He stated that using transgender people for begging would be illegal. Azam Nazir said opinion of Chairman of Islamic Ideology Council was also sought with regard to transgender bill. He said it is a wrong interpretation that intersex marriages have been allowed through this bill.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said we support Senator Mushtaq’s amendments to bill. He said one should refrain from disgracing a person in name of criticism. Answering a question, Qamar Zaman warned PTI Chief Imran Khan that organising peaceful march is a democratic right of opposition, but no one will be allowed to violate law. He said protestors will not be allowed to enter Red Zone and strict action will be taken against violators.

To another question, he said federal government reserves right to take legal measures if a provincial government conspires against it. Replying to a question, he said government is considering regulating social media to stop its misuse. He also advised PTI Chief Imran Khan to shun politics of agitation and adopt a democratic and civilised way of bringing no-confidence motion against government or wait for next general election.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 23 2022

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