PESHAWAR, Feb 09 (APP):Transgender leader and head of Manzil Foundation, Arzo Khan on Monday demanded of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar to immediately provide certificates and promised financial assistance to transgender participants who completed a beautician training course under a skill development program.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Arzo Khan said that the transgender community had successfully completed a 10-day beautician training course conducted five months ago under the Rural Economic Transformation Project, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Arzo said that UET officials had assured that each transgender trainee would receive a certificate and Rs 73,000 after completing the course. However, despite the passage of five months, neither the certificates nor the promised amount has been provided.
Arzo Khan alleged that transgenders are being forced to visit offices repeatedly but still being denied their rights.
“We invested our valuable time and even arranged transport for deserving transgenders from our own expenses to ensure their participation in the training,” she said.
Arzo Khan added that the transgender community is trying to earn a respectable livelihood through halal means and has stopped participating in dance parties and other events, but despite their efforts, they are still being deprived of their rightful support.
Arzo said in Punjab, several welfare and development programs are being arranged for transgenders, allowing them to earn a dignified living, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa they are being humiliated and targeted.
Arzo appealed to the provincial government to recognize and support the transgender community and ensure they are provided with their due rights.
Arzo Khan urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi and senior UET officials to immediately release the certificates and payments to the transgender trainees, warning that if their demands are not met, the transgender community will launch a province-wide protest movement across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.