Pakistan’s first trans woman recruited in Rawalpindi Police

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Police has made history by recruiting the first transgender woman as a police officer, officials confirmed.

According to details, Reem Sharif is a prominent transgender rights activist in Islamabad and will now join the police department.

In this regard, Reem Sharif said, “I am delighted to be in this position. Through this, I will have the option to deal with some of the most pressing issues faced by my transgender community.”

“I knew I needed to live my life and be true to who I was. I need to be honest with myself, and that was coming out as a transgender woman,” Reem Sharif added.

Reem Sharif further said, “I don’t consider this position as a career ladder but as a milestone for representing my community,” adding, “My presence will make it comfortable for the transgender community.”

A police spokesperson has informed that Rawalpindi Women’s Police Station will establish a police center for transgender people. The centre will ensure timely and prompt response of the police to their reports and will guide them with the right information.

After years of sometimes brutal persecution, transgender Pakistanis gained recognition in 2009 when the Supreme Court granted them special status with rights equal to other citizens.

According to a 2017 census, almost 10,418 transgender people live in the country, but rights group Charity Trans Action Pakistan estimates there are at least 500,000.