ISLAMABAD: The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) on Tuesday sought a fresh report detailing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the establishment of centres for transgender persons.

The court also directed Secretary for Human Rights Ali Raza Bhutta to hold a meeting with a monitoring committee of experts on a daily basis regarding the establishment of the protection centres for intersex children and old-age transgender persons.

The bench nominated Zamurrad Khan as convener of the monitoring committee.

The FSC bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Syed Mohammad Anwar and Justice Khadim Hussain M. Shaikh issued these directions to the government in a case pertaining to transgender and intersex children.

While the Ministry for Human Rights had submitted a report, the FSC said it was “not at all a satisfactory one” and sought another report with detailed SOPs regarding establishment and working of protection centres for intersex children and old-age transgender persons.

The counsel for the applicant, Sara Malkani, also filed written arguments on behalf of Gender Interactive Alliance.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2023