It is our duty to sensitize people about the hardships being faced by transgender community in Pakistan: Shazia Atta Marri

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Shazia Atta Marri has said that the financial issues, awareness among masses, and acceptance in society top the list of issues being faced by the vulnerable and marginalized segment, particularly the transgender community of Pakistan.

She said this on Monday, while addressing via zoom-link, a conference arranged by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SPDI), Islamabad. The conference was titled “Financial Inclusion among Transgender Community in Pakistan”.

Shazia Atta Marri lauded the socio-economic contribution of Sustainable Development Policy Institute in upbringing this marginalized and vulnerable society of Pakistan. She also commended the role played by Ms. Bindiya Rana and Ms. Reem Sharif in highlighting the issues being faced by transgender community. She encouraged Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, to arrange more seminars on the topic in order to highlight the issue.

While talking about the role of society, she said, it is our duty to sensitize people about the hardships being faced by transgender community in Pakistan. They have come a long way in their struggle, she continued. She, however, noted with concern that there are still areas in Pakistan where atrocities are being meted out to the transgender community. She expressed her utmost desire to see transgender community’s inclusion in the mainstream.

Shazia Marri apprised the participants that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has started the financial assistance of Transgender through cash disbursement. Tansgender persons are now eligible for Rs. 7000 quarterly cash assistance, she continued, and urged the community to take benefit from the scheme and visit the nearest BISP Tehsil office, along with CNIC, for registration. She highlighted that Hybrid Social Protection Scheme of BISP and said that BISP has proved itself as a successful model in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of women in Pakistan.