The Islamabad Federal Shariat Court has issued a statement regarding the determination of transgender individuals’ gender, stating that they cannot identify themselves as male or female based on personal preferences. This decision was made in response to a petition filed for transgender rights under the Transgender Protection Act of 2018.
Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar and Khadim Hussain presided over the bench meeting and announced the verdict, declaring sections 3 and 7 of the Transgender Protection Act as contradictory to the principles of Shariat. Additionally, the court deemed section 2F as invalid.
According to the court, individuals cannot create their own identities or choose to be recognized as transgender solely based on their physical appearances. It further emphasized that the government must ensure that all transgender rights are granted in accordance with Islamic principles.