PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has unveiled a comprehensive policy aimed at protecting and empowering transgender persons, widely known as Khawaja Sira, in a major step toward inclusion and social protection. Officials say the framework seeks to curb harassment, discrimination, and marginalization across the province.
A key component is the creation of the region’s first dedicated welfare endowment fund to promote economic empowerment. The fund will support skills training, livelihood programs, and rehabilitation initiatives for transgender individuals. Authorities also plan to establish safe homes, shelters, and rehabilitation centers to protect those facing violence, displacement, or family rejection.
The Social Welfare Department will lead implementation, while district-level committees will ensure local outreach and monitoring. Meanwhile, police coordination desks will address protection concerns and improve access to justice.
Inclusion in Health, Education and Jobs
The policy further introduces a province-wide transgender welfare registry to streamline access to social protection programs. Registered individuals will receive benefits related to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Officials have also mandated inclusive healthcare services and non-discriminatory admissions in schools and colleges. Scholarships, employment quotas, and workplace safeguards aim to promote long-term integration into mainstream society.
In addition, police officers and public servants will undergo rights-awareness training to improve institutional sensitivity. Transport and health departments will introduce inclusion-focused reforms to ensure equitable public service delivery.
Authorities say the initiative builds on national legal protections but shifts focus toward sustained social and economic empowerment. While data from National Database and Registration Authority shows about 170 registered transgender individuals in the province, welfare officials believe the actual population is significantly higher.
