Transgender Struggles: The Fight For Identity Cards In Pakistan

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) "If any of my sons make an identity card for him, he will no longer be my son." Jaber alias Aloocha, a transgender individual from Dir's Talash area, recalls his father's threat and laments that he still does not have an identity card.

When asked why, he explained, "I contacted my father and brothers about four to five times to make my identity card, but they said that if they made my identity card, then I would also ask them for a share in the property." Aloocha further recounted that his father and brothers had beaten him three times and imprisoned him in the house.

This issue is not isolated to Aloocha. Many transgender individuals in Mardan face similar struggles, lacking identity cards that are essential for basic rights and recognition.

Also Read: Empowering Tribal Women: A Journey to Inheritance Rights in Pakistan

Shahabuddin alias Wafa, 22, expressed that his family feels ashamed of him, and no one is willing to help him get an identity card: "Without an identity card, our life is incomplete. If we go for any program, no one gives us money, and we only face humiliation. We cannot travel abroad either."

According to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, there are 1,300 transgender individuals in district Mardan, but only 100 have received identity cards.

Guru Anmol, 30, highlighted the significant issues transgender women face due to the lack of identity cards: "Firstly, there is a problem at NADRA itself. When a transgender person goes to the NADRA office, they are not listened to properly. If they are, they are harassed with questions about their gender. The staff at the NADRA office mistreat us, asking inappropriate questions and making indecent remarks. Whether we stand in the women's or men's queue, we are subjected to abuse. If a transgender person gets shot and is rushed to the hospital, instead of stopping the bleeding, they are interrogated about their activities."

Nusrat Ara, chairperson of the Women's Development Organization, has worked extensively on identity card issues for transgender people: "To determine the gender of a transgender person, a medical check-up is required, followed by a report that needs to be taken to the Social Welfare Department. After signing, the transgender individual is taken to the NADRA office to get their identity card."

Sultan, a NADRA office official, explained the process: "When a transgender person wants to make an ID card, they must bring one of their parents or their guru to the NADRA office. They also need documents like Form B, domicile, and matric certificate. If the person does not live with their family, their guru must confirm their identity."

Farzana, president of Trans Action Alliance Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasized the importance of identity cards: "An identity card is a recognition and need for any citizen, but unfortunately, our transgender individuals are deprived of this right. I am striving to ensure transgender people receive their rights, even though their own families often reject them."

Despite the challenges, some transgender individuals like Shahabuddin alias Catherine have succeeded in obtaining identity cards. Catherine, who has been running a center since 2017 offering free courses to transgender women, said her mother helped her get her identity card.

Abdul Ghaffar alias Alisha also managed to get an identity card, but not without difficulty. Alisha recounted, "When I was making my identity card, my brother demanded 50,000 rupees to sign. After paying him, my identity card was made, making my life a bit easier. I can now create a bank account, travel without issues at check posts, and even consider traveling abroad."

These stories highlight the ongoing struggles of transgender individuals in Pakistan as they fight for their basic rights and recognition.

MENAFN08072024000189011041ID1108416791