The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has officially announced the resumption of registration for transgender individuals, bringing relief to the marginalized community after a three-month hiatus.
This decision comes following a notification issued on Monday, reversing Nadra’s previous order to halt the registration process in response to a verdict by the Federal Shariat Court (FSC).
Rida Qazi, Nadra’s Public Engagement Director, confirmed that the printing of National Identity Cards (NICs) for transgender individuals will now recommence in accordance with the authority’s instructions. She emphasized that as the matter is now before the apex court, Nadra is constitutionally obligated to issue NICs for transgender individuals, based on recommendations from its external legal advice wing.
Nayyab Ali, the director of Transgender Rights Consultants Pakistan, lauded Nadra’s decision and extended congratulations to the transgender activist community for their unwavering efforts.
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) also praised Nadra for its “prompt response” in reactivating the NIC registration process for the ‘X’ gender category. NCHR chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha underscored the significance of a valid NIC in ensuring the provision of various rights, especially for marginalized communities in Pakistan.
The Federal Shariat Court’s ruling in May 2023, which went against the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, had led to Nadra halting the NIC registration for transgender individuals. However, this decision faced opposition from the legal community, civil society, and human rights activists.
In response, Secretary General of the PPP, Farhatullah Babar, challenged the FSC verdict in the Shariat appellate bench of the Supreme Court in July.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, enacted by the National Assembly in 2018, is considered a landmark law. It was designed to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals while also addressing discrimination against them in various aspects of life.
In September 2022, the FSC heard petitions challenging the legislation, with Mushtaq Ahmed, a Senator from Jamaat-e-Islami, and Orya Maqbool Jan, a TV anchor, joining transgender individuals Almaas Boby and Bubbly Malik as parties in the case.
