Lahore, Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has outlined various initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Police for the social, legal protection, and dignified employment of transgender individuals. These initiatives were discussed during a meeting with a delegation from a British organization at the Central Police Office.

According to Punjab Police, the meeting focused on the role of the police Tahaffuz centers in supporting the transgender community. Dr. Usman Anwar highlighted the appointment of Transgender Victim Support Officers across all Tahaffuz centers in the province. These officers, who have received special training, are dedicated to addressing the issues faced by their community members.

Dr. Anwar elaborated on steps taken to provide technical and vocational training, driving licenses, and dignified employment opportunities to transgender individuals, in collaboration with various organizations. The meeting also addressed the establishment of a special ward in hospitals for medical facilities and a Police Tahaffuz Center School for the education of transgender persons.

The British delegation, comprising Asad Ali, Zahid Bhatti, and Abdullah Mushtaq, were informed about the ongoing support measures from the police Tahaffuz centers. DIG Elite Mansoor ul Haq, CTO Lahore Amara Athar, SDPO Gulbarg ASP Syeda Shaherbano, and Victim Support officers of Punjab Police Masooma and Kashish attended the meeting.

CTO Lahore Amara Athar mentioned that the Punjab Police has signed over 300 MOUs for the social protection of transgenders and other vulnerable groups through the Tahaffuz Centre, under which several initiatives are in progress. SDPO Gulbarg ASP Syeda Shaherbano briefed the delegation about the training, duties, and services provided by Victim Support Officers to the transgender community.

The British delegation praised the performance of police Tahaffuz centers in protecting the rights of transgender people. Asad Ali from the delegation expressed interest in joint initiatives for vocational training and higher education to support dignified employment for transgender people. Zahid Bhatti acknowledged the reduced difficulties and enhanced security, social, and legal protection for the transgender community, thanks to the Police Tahaffuz Center’s initiatives.