M. Irshad Ullah
PESHAWAR: 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.
