Transgender population to be counted in population census for first time

E-Paper | March 14, 2026

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the country's transgender community will be included in the national population census.

The Lahore High Court on Monday instructed the federal government, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the interior ministry to include the transgender community in the census while hearing a petition filed by a transgender individual Waqar Ali in November 2016.

Ali in his petition had called for the enforcement of the community’s fundamental rights, including enrolment in the upcoming census and issuance of national identity cards specifying their gender.

A deputy attorney general from the federal government was present in court during the hearing and assured the court that the transgender community will indeed be part of the upcoming census.

Ali's petition, filed through Advocate Sheraz Zaka, had pleaded that the transgender community in Pakistan has been marginalised, citing an event witnessed in Sialkot where a transgender was tortured.

Pakistan's sixth population census will begin on March 15, 2017.

Pakistan

Islamabad's transgenders seek to build 'inclusive' mosque

How do you battle AIDS if no one talks about sex? KP's transgenders speak out

'Our birth is our single biggest regret' — Being transgender in Pakistan

Jan 09, 2017 02:13pm

Transgenders are citizens of the country with same constitutional rights so why does it take a court order to include them in the census? Should it not be just routine standard process?

Recommend 0

Pakistan Zindabad

Jan 09, 2017 02:18pm

Why they weren't till today? Who is responsible? And why they have infested each and every busiest roads and chowks in Karachi?

Recommend 0

The end is near

Jan 09, 2017 02:28pm

Transgenders Community is a part Pakistan and must never be forgotten. They must be given equal rights like all other Pakistani citizens.

Recommend 0

d.k.pamnanI

Jan 09, 2017 02:39pm

They are also humanbeings. They must be counted

Recommend 0

Ali

Jan 09, 2017 02:50pm

Good, really good.. Include all minorities in everything. Let them lead and be a big part of our society. We need to learn tolerance and push it onto our faction of population that does not respect basic human rights.

Recommend 0

ABDULRAHMAn

Jan 09, 2017 02:56pm

It's a good move indeed. However, they should be given all rights including education and working in the companies, public sectors and government institutions to earn their livelihood. They should not feel isolated. It's not their fault that they are transgender. Should not be called Hijada, as this is their insult. The parents should teach their children since childhood that The transgenders are like normal human being and should be treated accordingly.

Recommend 0

SGH

Jan 09, 2017 03:07pm

A good decision. Transgenders should not be discriminated. They have equal citizen rights. Recent medical research has proved that the reason, which leads to transgender characteristics, lies in the hormonal changes before birth. Transgenders should be integrated in the society as equal citizens.

Recommend 0

Jan 09, 2017 04:41pm

Step in right direction.

Recommend 0

javed

Jan 09, 2017 05:08pm

Good Move!

Recommend 0

javed

Jan 09, 2017 05:10pm

@The end is near, transgender people are not only part of the Pakistani community they are also part of the human community.

Recommend 0

Houlbelat

Jan 09, 2017 07:03pm

Mere counting counts nothing. They must be given respect as special persons and given due place in the society without stigma. They are already deprived and need some humanity.

Recommend 0

Saad

Jan 09, 2017 07:06pm

So happy to see the progress we are making m.

Recommend 0

Yawar

Jan 09, 2017 07:07pm

Good decision.

Recommend 0

Agha Ata

Jan 09, 2017 09:05pm

Do not ignore young transgenders whose parents are still insisting that they behave differently. They must know that their child is a transgender and needs respect even by being so.

Recommend 0

IMTIAZ ALI KHAN

Jan 09, 2017 11:27pm

Transgenders or any other genders we are all first humans and humanity is supreme. Love to all the LGBT community of Pakistan and the world. Love you Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Bishmillaa

Jan 10, 2017 02:33am

Counting is one thing and to report exactly what what is counted is quite an other thing. Hope, it will be reported, what is counted honestly.

Recommend 0

Tamilselvan

Jan 10, 2017 05:29am

@ABDULRAHMAn . First give th jobs in your house or in your factories and give them dignity. Set an example first. They would really appreciate it

Recommend 0

Yaser Arafat

Jan 10, 2017 10:01am

We as society through every thing in government or system's basket. First we should ask with ourselves that are we ready to accept them and give full respect and regard as to every individual. Transgender community would request to please make yourselves as role model through good education and do Honorable business or service because your current gestures, getup and unethical profession is one of barrier for your acceptability in society. Media should step forwarded to find and bring all such transgenders those are playing a constructive role in society. Talk shows on such topic and emphasize on their capacity building. There are number of profession where can best fit like Nursing (healthcare), Personal care, Education, Transport services for female or likewise.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Chery Master Pakistan expands nationwide 3S dealership network: 10 operational, 20 planned by 2027

The nationwide dealership network includes 8 dealerships across six major cities, with two additional dealerships launching in the coming month, expanding the network to 10 dealerships nationwide.

Cardiogen and the molecular language of cardiac renewal: A speculative exploration

This article explores Cardiogen’s molecular characteristics, theorised mechanisms of action and its possible relevance across multiple research domains.

Master MoltyFoam’s Women’s Day initiative supports the next generation of female athletes

This year, Master MoltyFoam used the occasion to highlight the importance of support in sports by launching an initiative focused on encouraging young female athletes in Pakistan.