Transgender persons set to contest elections 2024

Nayyab Ali, a transgender person from the federal capital city of Islamabad, and Sobia Khan, a transgender individual from Peshawar, are all set to contest in the upcoming general elections.

Nayyab Ali, a resident of the federal capital city of Islamabad, has submitted nomination papers to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to contest the upcoming general elections from National Assembly Constituency 47. Nayab is the second transgender individual to submit nomination papers for the 2024 elections so far.

Nayyab took to X (former Twitter) and worte, “Just arrived at the returning office to submit my nomination papers for NA46 & NA47 as a candidate for the National Assembly. Proud to represent the trans community as the sole candidate thus far. Grateful for the warm welcome from the community!”

Just arrived at the returning office to submit my nomination papers for NA46 & NA47 as a candidate for the National Assembly. Proud to represent the trans community as the sole candidate thus far. Grateful for the warm welcome from the community! pic.twitter.com/264j2t4kkZ

— Nayyab Ali – نایاب علی (@nayyabalipk) December 22, 2023

Her supporter were chnting, “Aap ka na Janaab Ka, Vote Hai Nayyab ka.”

Peshawar native Sobia Khan, has filed nomination papers for a provincial assembly seat in constituency PK-81. The upcoming polls are scheduled to be held on February 8 next year.

Sobia Khan was also the first transgender person to be elected as a jirga member of the Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) in March 2021.

Running as an independent candidate, Sobia Khan aims to be a voice for the transgender community, women, and children, advocating for their rights if she secures victory in the elections. With a Bachelor’s degree to her name, Sobia holds the distinction of being the first transgender radio jockey in the province.

She said that not only her family but also the people of the area are supporting her. Sobia said that she would request NGOs and social welfare to support her election campaign.

She will also ask the district administration to provide security to her during this time as it has happened for the first time that a transgender is directly participating in the elections.

Sobia Khan said that she will conduct a door-to-door election campaign in the area and will also meet the women of the area to support her. She also praised Assistant Commissioner Syed Ahsan Ali Shah who encouraged her a lot while submitting nomination papers.

Sobia Khan said that because there was no separate seat for transgenders, she submitted the papers for the general seat. It should be remembered that Sobia Khan belongs to Peshawar district. She holds a BA and also holds the distinction of being the first transgender broadcaster of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The general elections are set for February 8 next year across the country, following the Supreme Court’s directives.

It is pertinent to mention that in the 2018 elections, Maria, the lone transgender candidate from KP, secured 536 votes as an independent candidate, surpassing the votes of many women candidates.