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Fact-check: Social media posts, politicians share incorrect claims about Pakistan’s transgender law

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A law that ensures fundamental rights for Pakistan’s transgender citizens has stirred up controversy, as religious groups argue that it legalises same-sex marriages and homosexuality in the country.

The claim is false.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was passed by Pakistan’s parliament in 2018. The law prohibits discrimination against transgender people in schools, workplaces and public spaces, as well as ensures their right to vote, inherit property and run for public office.

Claim

This year, politicians from religious political parties, the Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (Fazl) kicked up a row, insisting that the law is against Islamic tenets and should be immediately amended.


A law that ensures fundamental rights for Pakistan’s transgender citizens has stirred up controversy, as religious groups argue that it legalises same-sex marriages and homosexuality in the country.

The claim is false.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was passed by Pakistan’s parliament in 2018. The law prohibits discrimination against transgender people in schools, workplaces and public spaces, as well as ensures their right to vote, inherit property and run for public office.

Claim

This year, politicians from religious political parties, the Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (Fazl) kicked up a row, insisting that the law is against Islamic tenets and should be immediately amended.

Posted on the official Facebook page of Jamaat-e-Islami on September 22.
Posted on the official Facebook page of Jamaat-e-Islami on September 22.

Separately, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly against the implementation of the law. While the Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing has held several study circles in colleges against the law, calling it a “dagger in the Islamic republic.”

On September 16, two hashtags also began trending on social media #Ammendtransgenderact and #Amendtransgenderact. Both hashtags have to date accumulated over 5,000 tweets and videos with several thousand views.

Social media users and conservative politicians accuse the law of permitting gender-reassignment surgeries, same-sex marriages and cross-dressing. They also claim that since 2018, when the law was passed, over 23,000 people changed their genders.

Posted on the official Facebook page of Jamaat-e-Islami on September 22.
Posted on the official Facebook page of Jamaat-e-Islami on September 22.

Fact

The claim that the law will allow men to change their gender to female and women to male on official documents is incorrect.

The law clearly defines a “transgender person” as one who is “intersex” with a mixture of male and female genital features or a eunuch assigned the male gender at birth but undergoes castration or a trans person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

The Rules to the Act further clarify that a transgender person will have to approach the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for a change of name or gender on identity documents, as per their self-perceived identity. And NADRA will only alter their gender from Female to the category “X” or Male to the category “X”.

“X” symbolises the third sex in Pakistan, a classification specially created for the trans community on the orders of the Supreme Court in 2009.

The law or the Rules do not allow men to change their gender to female or vice versa on their CNICs, passports or other travel documents.

Video posted against the Transgender Act on Twitter on September 21.
Video posted against the Transgender Act on Twitter on September 21.

The claim that the law permits same-sex marriages and gender-change surgeries is false.

There is no mention in the Act or the Rules of marriage or gender-affirming surgeries.

Several social media users further argue that since 2018, 23,000 people have changed their genders, as per their wishes. Geo Fact Check could find no data or evidence to support this claim.

Video posted against the Transgender Act on Twitter on September 21.
Video posted against the Transgender Act on Twitter on September 21.

In fact, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, who has been vocally opposing the law and insisting that it be amended, had asked the interior ministry in November 2021 for the total number of applications received by NADRA, for the issuance of gender-change certificates between July 2018 and June 2021.

To which, then interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed clarified that NADRA does not issue gender change certificates. “However, gender is modified [on official documents] due to medical reasons or on request of Transgender persons,” he added, as per documents seen by Geo Fact Check.

He further provided a breakdown of 28, 723 trans people whose gender had been changed by NADRA in the dates specified above. 

Response by the Interior Ministry to Senator Mushtaq Ahmed’s query.

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Speech Made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister on the International Day Against Poverty

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In renewing our commitment to a world where no one is left behind and where possibilities for success are unrestricted by one’s origin or circumstances, Pakistan stands together with the global community on this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In addition to being morally right, ending poverty is essential to attaining sustainable development and guaranteeing everyone’s peace and prosperity.

The people have always been the center of every policy made by our government. We have significantly reduced poverty and made sure that our most vulnerable residents are taken care of thanks to our social safety net programs. We think that providing long-term routes to economic empowerment is equally as important as providing instant relief when it comes to assisting people in escaping poverty. Our focused initiatives seek to equip communities—women and children in particular—with the means to create better futures for themselves.

The Pakistani government is steadfast in its commitment to improving the affordability of living for its citizens despite the obstacles we face on a global scale, such as inflation and economic instability. Our policies are designed to build long-term economic resilience, from meeting housing needs to guaranteeing food security. With the help of programs like the PM Youth Business, Agriculture Loans, Digi-Skills, which offers free IT training, and the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, millions of families are receiving financial support and technological help that is changing their lives.

Eradicating poverty is also a top priority for Pakistan, which is still fully committed to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we will keep working together with our international partners to achieve these goals. The advancements made in empowering women and guaranteeing that their contributions are essential to the country’s social and economic fabric are another reason for pride.

On this day, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who is devotedly striving to end poverty, both in Pakistan and globally. We can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstances, has the chance to flourish and succeed by uniting with a shared purpose and unwavering determination.

I speak on behalf of the Government of Pakistan to reiterate our steadfast commitment to this cause and to extend an invitation to all facets of society to work with us to create a world that is more wealthy, just, and inclusive.

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Karan Johar compliments Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tauba Tauba.’

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Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, a social media sensation known for his song ‘Bado Badi’, has garnered attention once more after posting his rendition of the classic track ‘Tauba Tauba’ on Instagram.

The song, initially included in the Vicky Kaushal film ‘Bad Newz’, achieved significant popularity due to its infectious rhythms and distinctive choreography.

Chahat’s rendition garnered heightened attention after Bollywood director Karan Johar reposted it on his Instagram, urging fans to ‘must see’ the song.

Karan Johar Chahat Fateh

Chahat’s performance garnered mixed to unfavorable responses from the audience. As the infectious melody rapidly gained popularity, the original artist, Karan Aujla, could not refrain from contributing a funny remark regarding the new rendition.

He humorously commented under Chahat’s post, “Please do not act like an uncle.” The reply provoked a barrage of caustic remarks from internet users, with one individual jesting, “Karan Aujla weeping in the corner.”

Others contributed their own comical interpretations, with comments such as “Karan himself advised uncle to cease” and “your song – toba toba,” thereby accentuating the playful repartee.

Karan Aujla’s original ‘Tauba Tauba’ achieved immediate success, showcasing Vicky Kaushal’s energetic dance performance in ‘Bad Newz,’ which also included Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri.

The ongoing lighthearted rivalry is delighting fans who appreciate the fun interactions between these two skilled artists.

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It is essential to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism for regional peace. Jaishankar

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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his remarks at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, underscored the necessity of peace, stability, and regional collaboration to foster economic development and prosperity.

He emphasized that cross-border infiltration undermines trade and hinders diplomatic relations between nations, underscoring the necessity of mutual respect and sovereign equality among SCO members.

Jaishankar emphasized the capacity of industrial collaboration, especially among small and medium companies (SMEs), to enhance employment, competition, and market expansion. The Indian foreign minister noted, “Collective initiatives can enhance resources and stimulate investment flows, benefiting business communities through expanded networks.”

Emphasizing environmental sustainability, Jaishankar endorsed collaborative efforts in environmental protection, highlighting that the International Solar Alliance can advance renewable energy, while the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure equips member nations to confront climate-related challenges.

He also discussed global health concerns, claiming that affordable and accessible medications will facilitate the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Jaishankar advocated for extensive reforms in international organizations, highlighting the necessity to modernize entities such as the United Nations Security Council. He stated, “Global trade and rebalancing are undeniable realities,” encouraging SCO states to capitalize on rising opportunities in trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

Jaishankar emphasized that the area can only derive advantages from these potential if collaboration is founded on authentic partnerships rather than unilateral objectives. He advocated for a candid dialogue among SCO members to tackle trust problems and foster regional development. He stated that mutual trust and cooperation are essential for attaining regional progress.

Furthermore, Jaishankar emphasized the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on developing countries and expressed apprehensions regarding escalating debt and the worldwide delay in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He recognized the potential afforded by technology, yet emphasized that it also presents new issues requiring community resolution.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s endorsement of Pakistan’s effective leadership of the SCO this year and commended the host nation for leading the summit. He finished by urging SCO member nations to adhere to the organization’s aims, especially the enhancement of mutual trust, camaraderie, and amicable relations.

Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for the SCO to assume a pivotal role in tackling regional and global challenges, especially in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he deemed essential for maintaining peace and stability.

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