M. Irshad Ullah
Peshawar, June 18, 2026: The Social Welfare Department has prepared the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transgender Persons Welfare Endowment Fund Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening social protection, economic empowerment, and inclusion of transgender persons across the province.
The draft legislation was developed with technical support from Blue Veins and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
The initiative follows proceedings before the Peshawar High Court on a writ petition filed by members of the transgender community seeking improved protection, welfare, and recognition of their rights. During the proceedings, the Social Welfare Department informed the Honourable Court that it was undertaking steps to establish a dedicated welfare endowment fund for transgender persons, leading to the preparation of the proposed legislation.
Under the proposed bill, an Endowment Fund will be established with an initial capital of not less than PKR 50 million. The fund will receive support through government grants, lawful donations and contributions, endowments, investment income, and other approved sources.
The proposed fund will support a range of welfare initiatives, including financial assistance, educational scholarships, vocational and skills development programmes, livelihood and entrepreneurship support, healthcare and mental health services, emergency assistance, awareness initiatives, and other interventions aimed at improving the socioeconomic well-being of transgender persons.
According to the draft legislation, transgender persons registered with NADRA and the Social Welfare Department will be eligible to benefit from the fund. A Provincial Management Committee comprising representatives from relevant government departments, civil society organizations, and members of the transgender community will oversee the administration, monitoring, and transparent distribution of benefits.
Rizwanullah Shah, Regional Coordinator of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), welcomed the proposed legislation and said, “The Transgender Persons Welfare Endowment Fund reflects the constitutional commitment to promote the social and economic well-being of all citizens without discrimination. Establishing a dedicated mechanism for one of the most marginalized segments of society is an important step towards equality, dignity, and inclusive development.”
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins, who provided technical support in the drafting of the proposed legislation, said that many transgender persons continue to face significant social and economic challenges due to exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to employment opportunities.
“Many transgender persons are compelled to independently bear the costs of housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and personal security. The proposed Endowment Fund can strengthen financial independence, improve economic resilience, and create pathways towards sustainable livelihoods and a better quality of life,” he said.
Farzana Riaz, President of TransAction Alliance, termed the initiative a positive step towards addressing longstanding inequalities faced by transgender persons. “Dedicated social protection measures are essential to ensure access to skills development, livelihood opportunities, and greater economic security for transgender persons across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The proposed fund can play an important role in promoting dignity, inclusion, and sustainable empowerment,” she stated.
Civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and representatives of the transgender community have expressed hope for the timely enactment of the proposed legislation, describing it as a significant milestone towards equal citizenship, social justice, and inclusive development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.