RAHIM YAR KHAN: A transperson from Rahim Yar Khan has become a constable in the Punjab police.

Transperson Sabiha Bibi is currently under training at the Commandant Police Training Center (CPTC), Lahore and is facing problem of accommodation.

CPTC SSP Bushra Jamil has sought accommodation for Sabiha from Additional Inspector General of Police Training, Lahore. In a letter No. 9510/CLI-JS/PTCL of Oct 7, 2022, the SSP intimated that “Sabiha Bibi (belt No.997 RLC) from Rahim Yar Khan has referred from Recruit Class Course No 14 in this institution. Her district sent her for basic training as a female trainee but she identifies herself as a transgender. This fact was not communicated to this college beforehand.

“The women trainees undergoing the basic class are not comfortable residing with Sabiha in the same hostel premises. So necessary guidelines may kindly be provided regarding her training.”

RYK District Police Officer Akhtar Farooq told Dawn that Sabiha Bibi was recruited after the selection process in 2020-2022 according to her record. He said Sabiha successfully passed all the stages of recruitment, including physical test, written test, interview by the recruitment board and she also qualified the basic requirements under the law.

He further said Sabiha was sent to the CPTC as per schedule. He said Sabiha belonged to the neglected class of society so district police would provide all the facilities for the welfare and betterment of Sabiha. Special arrangements would be made for her training by the district police, Mr Farooq said.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2022