The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been directed to promptly issue Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to members of the transgender community.
This directive was issued by the Chairman of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), Iqbal Detho, in response to grievances expressed by transgender individuals regarding difficulties in obtaining CNICs.
Transgender community representatives approached Chairman Iqbal Detho, apprising him of the challenges they faced when attempting to acquire their CNICs. T
Taking swift action on these complaints, Mr Detho addressed a letter to the regional head of NADRA in Karachi, drawing attention to court rulings and laws that mandate fair and equal treatment for transgender individuals at NADRA centers throughout the province.
Iqbal Detho emphasised that the transgender community in Pakistan is already marginalized and often denied their constitutional rights.
He pointed out that withholding CNICs from transgender individuals constitutes a violation of several fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens.
These include the right to dignity (Article 14), the right to life (Article 9), and the right to equality before the law (Article 25).