IT is unfortunate that we have failed badly to protect the basic rights of one of the most discriminated segments of society, — transgender people.

According to a report issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, 69 transgender people were brutally killed in the province. Such behaviour is unacceptable in the 21st century.

The federal and provincial governments need to ensure the law is enforced and this segment of society is protected. The laws must be implemented in letter and spirit. The government should ensure it provides equal opportunities to transgender people.

The general perception in society about transgender people also needs to be changed.

Rana Muhammad Kashif
Lahore

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2020