KARACHI: Shahzadi Rai and Chandni Shah created history after being elected as the first transgender members of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation City Council. After taking oath, both are hoping to work for the improvement of the community.
After the Federal Shariat Court’s (FSC) decision to struck down the Transgender Persons Protection of RightsAct, 2018. the news of Shah and’s electoral victory might be deemed as a ray of hope for the deprived community.
Rai, the Gender Interactive Alliance’s violence case manager, has long been working as a political activist for the legal rights of the transgender community in Pakistan, while Shah is a renowned advocate for the rights of the transpersons.
Reserved seats for transgenders
Their inclusion in the KMC City Council is a first for the deprived community, but hopefully not the last. In January, Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah presided over a cabinet meeting, in which he assented the creation of two reserved seats for transgender persons in local councils.
Taking to twitter, Rai said it is an “honour to have been entrusted to serve the community”. She expressed her gratitude to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani.
"The hard work and dedication of our team have finally paid off – we are thrilled to announce the oath-taking ceremony for our achievements! It's an honor to have been entrusted to serve the community and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society. @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/hoo9fqXXwn
— Shahzadi Rai (@ShahzadiRai) June 7, 2023
"Today, Saeed bhai shared with me some basic information and rules about the @KmcKarachi .It's heartening to see someone in positions of power who genuinely cares about the most vulnerable members of society. Thank you, @SaeedGhani1 bhai for your contribution. @PPP_Org pic.twitter.com/of25JXkEYh
— Shahzadi Rai (@ShahzadiRai) June 6, 2023
The transgender community pored in their congratulations and celebrations, whike the social activists and netizens also lauded the achievement.
A heartfelt congratulations to my sister @ShahzadiRai and my khwajasira mother Chandni Shah on being the first ever elected khwajasira and transgender persons in any electoral system in Pakistan.
No doubt such change and visibility is only possible in Sindh ❤️ https://t.co/9D65LjQPAg
— Mehrub Awan (@mehrubawan) June 3, 2023
