ISLAMABAD: A Federal Shariah Court bench led by interim Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar heard the case in which the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018 has been challenged.
At the hearing, the courtroom of the Federal Shariat Court was filled with transgender persons who were worried about their fate. They requested the court to get the assistance of gender experts before deciding anything about their lives.
They stated that three transgenders have been killed in Peshawar since the beginning of the proceedings of the case.
Justice Anwar said that the real issue is about protecting rights. He said, “We aim to protect the community and ensure that they get their rights.” Turning a blind eye won’t solve any problem, Justice Anwar said.
The court accepted the applications of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Farhatullah Babar and transgender activist Almas Boby to become party to the case. It also asked them to submit written replies at the next hearing.
Farhatullah Babar said he would like to inform the court that the act was made by merging two different bills.
Counsel representing Senator Mushtaq said that an amended bill was tabled in the Senate.
The court adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
