The National Database And Regulatory Authority (NADRA) has decided to resume the process of issuing computerised national identity cards to people who are transgender.
The move comes months after the practice was halted in light of a verdict issued by the Federal Shariat Court.
The notification, issued on September 18 but which appeared in the media on Monday, simply stated that the "Operations Division letter under reference has been withdrawn in light of above cited Legal Dte ION."
It provided no other explanation for the withdrawal of the June letter.
Congratulations to the entire community of transgender activists in Pakistan for your relentless struggle. A heartfelt thank you to all the institutions @nchrofficial. Finally @NadraPak has revoked its notification regarding the cessation of transgender identity. pic.twitter.com/nVWqsGudym
— Nayyab Ali - نایاب علی (@nayyabalipk) September 25, 2023
The letter was signed by NADRA's Head Of Department (Ops) Kashif Nazar Khan and dispatched to all regional head offices (RHOs) apart from other relevant departments.
The June 13, 2023, letter, which was referred to, cited a decision by the Federal Shariat Court and ceased the operation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, and the Transgender Persons (Protect of Rights) Rules, 2020.
Based on the verdict to suspend the two laws, NADRA directed officials to immediately suspend the registration of people who are transgender in the country until further instructions.
"Please instruct all DAUs to process applicants with gender male/female," it read, meaning that people who are transgender and hopeful of obtaining an ID card with gender 'X' would only be able to register as either male or female.
Any cards in the process were also halted. At the same time, changes were made in the National Information System (NIS) software, which NADRA agents use to enter information about applicants.
Kashif Nazar Khan also issued that letter.