Earlier this week, Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas had announced that the provincial government will open up the first-ever transgender school in Pakistan, in the city of Multan.
“We are opening the first-ever transgender school in Pakistan. Why would we deny education to anyone in our country? Our first school is opening in Multan,” Murad Raas said taking to Twitter.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
First Day of School for Transgenders by School Education Department Punjab. We have provided them everything that is required for Schooling. Dr Aithesham Secretary School South Punjab and his team have done a great job. TransEducation is the program. pic.twitter.com/pTZkfKEOYX— Murad Raas (@MuradRaasMR) July 8, 2021
The provincial education minister had made a positive promise that schools for the transgender community will be opened in all districts of Punjab. “One step at a time. Education for ALL,” he stated.
The school is now opened in Multan and celebs are lauding the government for their efforts.
Happiness doze of the day: The first transgender school opens up in Multan!
Inclusivity beyond genders, races, castes, and religions will help us raise as a nation. pic.twitter.com/jlRXDwLuVk— Ammara Qazi (@Ammara_Kazi) July 8, 2021
Celebrities’ reactions
The all-time favorite singer Shehzad Roy tweeted “This is such a positive development. I hope I live to see the day when transgenders get the right to choose which school they want to go to boys, girls, co-ed, or separate transgender schools.”
This is such a positive development👍🙏. I hope I live to see the day when transgenders get the right to choose which school they want to go to- boys, girls, co-ed or separate transgender schools. https://t.co/BhZuuPJGZ3
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) July 8, 2021
Pakistan’s versatile Actor Ahsan Khan has also shown love and appreciation for the initiative by mentioning on social media “The most vulnerable section of society being given the basic human rights, heartwarming indeed,”.
The most vulnerable section of society being given the basic human rights, heartwarming indeed !#EducationForAll #humanrights @PTIofficial pic.twitter.com/XJcZbMK7kE
— Ahsan Khan (@Ahsankhanuk) July 8, 2021
The education minister noted that the attitude of regular schools could be insulting towards the transgender community, which is why separate schools were being set up for them. He said it was unfortunate that no government except for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) thought about the welfare and provision of education and jobs to the transgender community. The minister said registration for the schools is in progress and will be completed by July 15.
Read more: Punjab govt to open separate schools for transgenders
However, with a step towards spreading positivity, netizens sure look happy with the government’s efforts!