PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced a comprehensive new policy aimed at protecting transgender persons from harassment, violence and discrimination, while promoting their rehabilitation and social inclusion.
The province will create its first special endowment fund, which official policy documents state will improve the economic conditions of transgender individuals.
The policy requires the government to build rehabilitation facilities and safe housing and community support centres throughout the entire province. The Transgender Persons Welfare Registry and formal database will be established to provide effective identification and support services to people who require assistance.
The new framework enables transgender people to access social protection programs and emergency response systems and health insurance programs, skill development programs and grants available at both provincial and national levels.
The Social Welfare Department has been designated as the focal department responsible for overseeing the inclusion and integration of transgender persons into all government services and schemes.
The policy requires different provincial departments and commissions to work together through coordinated actions. The solution recommends that transgender individuals should be included in both case management systems and protective shelter services and family mediation processes.
Police training programs will include education about transgender rights, while police stations will establish dedicated transgender coordination desks. The Transport Department will implement awareness programs through its driver and conductor training certification programs.
The provincial government declared that the policy establishes a major advancement for transgender people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to achieve safe and dignified living conditions.
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