LHC allows transgender persons to use guru's name for CNICs

By
Riaz Shakir
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Supporters of civil rights group for transgender people, the Gender Interactive Alliance, dance and chant slogans as they pose with a national flag ahead of the Independence Day in Karachi, Pakistan, August 13, 2016. Photo: Reuters
 

LAHORE: Transgender persons will now be able to get identity cards made and vote sans hurdles as Lahore High Court (LHC) has allowed them to use their guardian's name instead of father's on forms.

While hearing a petition filed by a transgender person residing in Narowal, Mian Asiya, LHC Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh announced the verdict.

As per Asiya's petition, she could not get her identity card made as National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) required her to put her father's details. 

The petitioner stated she wanted to put her guardian's (guru) name instead. Subsequently, NADRA presented the case in the court and also submitted Asiya's identity card with her guru's details on it.

Resultantly, the high court allowed transgender persons to put their guru's details on the relevant forms. The decision sent a wave of excitement among the transgender community, the members of which said they were pleased over now being able to vote as well.