Two transgender persons appointed as warders in KP prisons

PESHAWAR: Two transgender persons, Bilal alias Sobia Khan and Zohaib Ahmad, have been appointed as warders in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prisons Department, becoming the first transgender individuals to join the department in that role.

An official said there were 18 positions reserved under the quota for transgender persons, but only two candidates applied. Both were selected after passing the physical test, written examination and interview.

According to the official, a lack of awareness was the main reason more transgender persons did not apply for the jobs.

Appointment letters were handed over to the two new warders at a ceremony in Peshawar on Wednesday, where Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was the chief guest.

Officials said Sobia Khan and Zohaib Ahmad secured the posts on merit and were not given any concession in the recruitment process. They said both candidates met all required standards, including the physical test, written exam and interview.

Sobia Khan will serve in the women’s section of Central Jail Peshawar.

The appointments were welcomed by members of the transgender community and rights advocates. Saida Khan, president of All Artists Association KP, described the development as a dawn after a long night. She thanked the chief minister, the home secretary, Inspector General of Prisons Rehan Gul Khattak and the deputy inspector general of prisons for taking the step.

IG prisons Rehan Khattak said the department’s hiring was based on capability rather than identity. He said Sobia Khan and Zohaib Ahmad had demonstrated their ability at every stage of the recruitment process. "I am confident they will make our jails more professional and more humane," he stated.

Rights advocates said the appointments reflected implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. Farzana Jan of the Transgender Rights Network said the law had now begun to make a practical difference in people’s lives. "Today, it changed Sobia Khan’s life. Tomorrow, it can change hundreds more if other departments show the same will," she added.

Sobia Khan’s path to the appointment included years of hardship. She had been forced to beg and dance to survive, but continued pursuing education and work opportunities. Two years ago, with support from a local NGO, she completed her matriculation and also finished a computer course.

Recalling her experience of applying for the post, Sobia Khan said: "They laughed when I filled the form, I applied anyway, because hope is a decision."