Faisalabad [Pakistan], April 1 (ANI): On International Transgender Day, members of the transgender community in Faisalabad warned that discrimination continues and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, is weakly enforced. They criticised authorities for not implementing the mandated three per cent employment quota in public sector and semi-government institutions, The Express Tribune reported.
Dr Farri, a Victim Support Officer at a Police Service Centre, described systemic barriers despite strong educational qualifications. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, she said she has struggled to find stable work in her field and has faced exclusion and bias.
She recalled a brief job at a private dairy farm where employers and the public made derogatory remarks and behaved inappropriately. Her role as a transgender veterinary professional often met with discomfort and ridicule. Despite applying to multiple government departments under the reserved quota, she said she was repeatedly overlooked.
Dr Farri acknowledged that former Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar created some positions for transgender people at Police Service Centres, but said those posts remain contractual. The lack of permanent positions and job security leaves employees vulnerable. With a monthly salary of Rs 30,000—below minimum wage—many struggle with rising living costs, making financial stability and dignity difficult, The Express Tribune reported.
She added there is no clear policy for job regularisation, and even after months of service she remains unsure about her future. Beyond employment, transgender people frequently face harassment in public places like markets and social settings.
Inspector Madiha, who heads the Police Service Centre, said a dedicated protection facility has been set up to address the community’s concerns, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI)
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