Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finally to Adopt Transgender and Intersex Protection Policy 2026
Peshawar : By Junaid Toru
The TransAction Alliance (Provincial Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community) welcomes the formal endorsement of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Protection and Welfare Policy on Transgender and Intersex Persons, 2026, by the Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Department.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for the protection, dignity, and inclusion of transgender and intersex persons in the province. The development comes after a long and challenging process. An earlier draft of the policy had been rejected by the Law Department due to legal, religious, and constitutional observations. In response, TransAction Alliance filed a writ petition with the Peshawar High Court, seeking judicial guidance and protection of fundamental rights.
Following directions from the Honorable Court and subsequent consultations, revisions were made to ensure that the policy aligns with constitutional provisions, welfare principles, and protections guaranteed by law. As reflected in the official communication, the Law Department has now endorsed moving forward, recognizing the State’s obligation to safeguard the life, dignity, and rights of transgender and intersex persons.
Rizwanullah Shah, Coordinator, National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), stated: “NCHR stands committed to the rights of all citizens, with a special focus on marginalized and vulnerable groups. This policy is a strong step towards ensuring dignity, protection, and equal rights for transgender and intersex persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Farzana Jan, President of the Transgender Community, stated: “This is a historic moment for our community. We are deeply grateful to the Social Welfare Department, the National Commission for Human Rights, and our dedicated legal team in the Peshawar High Court, Mr. Imran Advocate and Mr. Kashif Advocate, for standing with us throughout this journey. Their support ensured that our voices were heard and our rights were recognized. This policy gives us hope for a more secure and dignified future.”
Qamar Naseem, drafter of the policy, who provided technical support to the National Commission for Human Rights and the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shared: “This policy reflects a shared commitment to human rights, inclusion, and justice. This is a critical step towards ensuring that transgender and intersex persons are protected, empowered, and included in all aspects of life.”
The TransAction Alliance emphasized that this policy has the potential to become a game-changer by providing a structured framework for the protection, welfare, and rehabilitation of transgender and intersex persons across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Alliance calls upon all relevant government departments to ensure timely implementation, resource allocation, and meaningful engagement with the community to translate this policy into real impact on the ground
