Sindh Govt. Gives jobs to three transgenders

KARACHI: The Sindh government has given government jobs to three transgenders in Karachi, issuing them appointment letters on Thursday. The three include Riffy Khan, who holds a masters degree, whereas Muskaan and Anjum have both completed their schooling up to matriculation. Speaking to Dawn.com, Sindh Minister for Social Welfare, Women Development and Special Education Rubina Qaim Khani said that this was the preliminary phase and that other members of the transgender community would also soon be given jobs. Riffy Khan, one of the eunuchs to receive the appointment letter, told Dawn.com: “I’m very happy that the government, while regarding us as respectable citizens of the society, has provided us with jobs.” Khan moreover expressed the hope that the Sindh government would comply with the decision of the Supreme Court and would provide more jobs to eunuchs in accordance with the quota. This is a significant development for a much mistreated community in Pakistan. Earlier last year, members of the Khawaja Sarra community were also able to vote and contest elections as recognised members of a third gender. The Supreme Court in 2011 had ordered the government to issue them with identity cards and to register them as voters.