Pakistan - July 2023

The Federal Shariah Court (FSC) ruled on 19 May that certain sections of the Transgender Rights Bill 2018 relating to the right to self-defined gender identity, among other rights, are contrary to Islamic principles. Activists and lawyers championing LGBTQIA+ rights have vowed to contest the ruling in the Supreme Court, with the FSC decision taking effect in six months unless successfully appealed. Incidents of transgender individuals struggling to officially register their gender on official documents since the ruling emerged in July. The 2018 bill is globally regarded as a progressive legislation advancing transgender rights, with rights experts noting that the FSC's verdict significantly hampers LGBTQIA+ rights progress in Pakistan.

Sources: The Express Tribune, The Diplomat, The Nation, Voicepk