Stage actress and dancer Mehak Malik has joined the ongoing debate over the creation of new provinces in Pakistan, putting forward an unusual proposal for a separate province for the transgender community.
Speaking about the country’s growing population and administrative challenges, Malik backed the creation of new provinces for major cities, including Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan.
However, her proposal for the transgender community has drawn particular attention. Malik suggested that transgender people could have their own province, with a chief minister and an administration responsible for managing their affairs.
Her proposal comes as debate continues in the country whether creating smaller administrative units could improve governance and political representation.
The issue of new provinces has gained fresh momentum in recent months. Government circles have discussed dividing existing provinces and creating additional administrative units as part of wider governance reforms.
Pakistan’s transgender community has long demanded greater political representation and protection from discrimination. Civil society groups have previously called for transgender representation in national and provincial assemblies.
