MANSEHRA: The district administration has begun a door-to-door survey in Mansehra city and its suburbs to learn about the housing and livelihood issues of transgender persons for necessary steps.

“I am here to assure your community that we [administration] want to address your housing and other problems on priority basis,” assistant commissioner Sundus Arshad Malik told transgender persons during a visit to the house of their leader, Nadra Khan, here on Saturday.

Ms Malik visited the houses of transgender persons in the heart of the city and its suburbs on the orders of deputy commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan and asked them about their issues.

The transgender persons expressed surprise over the visit.

“For the first time, a government officer visited us in dilapidated, rented houses, sat with us to learn about our problems, and didn’t make us feel that we are not outcasts,” Nadra said.

She said almost all transgender persons wanted the administration to provide them with lodging in own buildings.

Ms Nadra also demanded financial assistance and sewing machines for her community’s members saying the restrictions on wedding and other festive functions have badly hit their income.

GROUNDBREAKING: Local government minister Akbar Ayub Khan performed the groundbreaking of a road to be built from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Interchange to Karakoram Highway here on Saturday.

“The government is promoting tourism in Hazara and Malakand divisions and the construction of this Rs690 million worth of artery, which will link Hazara Expressway with Karakoram Highway and then with Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, is part of these efforts” the minister told the groundbreaking ceremony.

Mr Akbar said the 3km road would be a dual, modern carriageway.

“The Kaghan valley of Mansehra district welcomes around five million tourists every year and the government is striving to double the number. This major communication project is being initiated for the purpose,” he said.

The minister also said the foundation stone of the Rs1.75 billion Datta Road would be laid soon to reduce traffic congestion in Mansehra city and its suburbs and divert traffic from KKH to MNJ Road for the convenience of tourists.

Aide to the chief minister on communication and works Riaz Khan and deputy commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2021