Despite all odds, transgender candidate Nayyab Ali's election campaign in full swing

As the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) continues to hear pleas against the rejection or acceptance of candidates’ nomination papers, transgender candidate Nayyab Ali resumed her election campaign after an Appellate Tribunal reserved its verdict on a challenge against her nomination papers.

Nayyab — who has previously participated in the 2018 elections from Punjab’s Okara — had filed her nomination papers from NA-46 and 47 which were challenged wherein it was alleged that she had concealed her true gender identity and failed to disclose information about her sources of income.

During the hearing on a challenge filed by another Khawaja Sara Nadeem Uz Zafar, amici curiae apprised the court that the Constitution of Pakistan and the Election Act do not prohibit Khawaja Saras from contesting in polls.

They further underscored that the Federal Shariat Court has not barred the members of the transgender community from taking part in elections — adding that objections can only be raised if a Khawaja Sara contests the polls from any of the reserved seats for women.

"This is a case pertaining to [an individual's] basic human rights," remarked Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir in response to the challenger's counsel's allegations against Nayyab.

Subsequently, the election tribunal issued a notice to the returning officer (RO) and the transgender candidate, following an appeal against the approval of her nomination.

Even though the tribunal reserved the verdict, Nayyab is back in campaign mode to gather as much support as she can to improve her chances in the polls.

In an exclusive statement to Geo Digital, Nayyab said: "The person who filed the petition against my nomination was neither a voter nor a candidate from that constituency. This was propaganda against me by political parties. And you will be seeing me contesting in elections,” she said.

Previously, Nayyab had shed light on the challenges faced by the transgender community, grappling with societal stigma.

"People often consider transgender individuals as beggars. During our election campaign, transgender volunteers distributing brochures faced rude reactions, with people dismissively saying, 'Go away, don't bother us, asking for money.' In response, one of the Khawaja Saras asserted, 'We're not here for money but for votes,'" she told Geo Digital in an earlier interview.

Highlighting the hurdles encountered by transgender voters, Nayyab expressed concerns over the lack of separate arrangements for them on Election Day.

"Transgender voters face harassment on election day. The election commission has not made necessary arrangements for transgender voters. There should be separate polling booths for them to prevent any mistreatment while casting their votes," Nayyab insisted.

Beyond being a representative of the transgender community, Nayyab sees herself as a resident of Islamabad. Despite the perception of Islamabad as a developed city, Nayyab pointed out the prevailing issues faced by its residents.

"My manifesto includes addressing the issues faced by the common people of my constituencies. People are not happy with the current system of governance in Pakistan. They want to give a chance to progressive faces," she said.

Intending to win and serve citizens, emphasising the need for inclusivity and a progressive approach in the political landscape, she continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equal representation in the political sphere.