The Role of Political Parties in Political Empowerment of Transgender in Pakistan: A Case Study of Lahore (2008-2024)
Keywords:
Political Parties, Transgender Rights, Transgender Person Act 2018 (Protection of Rights), Amendment Act 2022, Marginalized Community, Gender Identity, Lahore, Political EmpowermentAbstract
Among all the marginalized minorities in Pakistan, the Transgender community must rank among the most oppressed and violated groups of Pakistan. In this research paper, a critical analysis of how the political parties contributed to the development and enactment of transgender rights laws in Pakistan between 2008 and 2024 is discussed with Lahore as a case study. It specifically draws attention to two pieces of historic legislation, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, and the Amendment Act, 2022. The study employs a qualitative case study method and uses secondary sources of data, revealing legislative materials, media articles, and statements. The research finds that although certain political parties have supported the legislation and representation of transgender people, others have worked against these initiatives or weakened them. It concludes that although certain legal milestones have been achieved, the absence of implementation, and the growing conservative discourse still pose a challenge to the actualization of transgender rights in Pakistan. Through its localized approach to the issue, the study will add to the existing body of knowledge about the influence of political processes on the rights of marginalized groups and the significance of political will in the legislative protection and social integration.
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Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rumaiza Mazhar , Dr. Shafiq Qurban (Author)
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