For the first time, a legislation has been introduced in Pakistan's lower house of parliament to protect the fundamental rights of transgender people in the conservative Muslim nation.


The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, moved by Naeema Kishwar on Tuesday, seeks to provide equal rights to transgender persons.


The bill is the first piece of proposed legislation that extends recognition to this often-ignored segment of society, Dawn news reported.


According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, "There is a need to safeguarded rights of transgenders at par with other citizens and residents of the country".


"The Constitution of Pakistan explicitly provides, inter alia, the fundamental rights to life of liberty (Article 9), equality of citizen, (Article 25) and inviolability of dignity, safeguard to educational institutions in respect of education, protection of property, safeguard against discrimination in service," it says.