Shuts Down Faisalabad’s Only Transgender School. The reported closure of Faisalabad only transgender-focused school has sparked serious concern across Punjab. The sudden decision has left dozens of vulnerable students without access to education and teachers without salaries. The issue has also raised wider questions about inclusion, dignity, and the right to education for Pakistan’s transgender community.
What Happened in Faisalabad
According to local reports, the Punjab Education Department has abruptly shut down the FirstStep Khawaja Sara Palace Non-Formal High School. This institution was the only dedicated school for transgender students in Faisalabad.
The school was located in Mohammadi Colony, Shah Faisalabad, and had been serving the community since 2023. Its sudden closure reportedly affected more than 50 transgender students, many of whom had no alternative educational options.
The news was first highlighted by 24NewsHD, after which protests quickly erupted outside the CEO Education Faisalabad office.
Protests by Students and Teachers
Following the shutdown, transgender students and teachers gathered to protest the decision. Demonstrators demanded:
- Immediate reopening of the school
- Release of unpaid salaries for teachers
- Protection of transgender students’ right to education
Protesters stated that teachers had not received salaries for months, worsening their financial hardship. Many students said the school was their only safe place to learn without discrimination.
Why This School Mattered
The FirstStep Khawaja Sara Palace School was more than a classroom. It was a safe and inclusive space designed specifically for transgender individuals who often face rejection in mainstream schools.
Key Contributions of the School
- Provided basic and secondary-level education
- Offered an alternative to begging and exploitative labor
- Created a respectful learning environment
- Helped students rebuild confidence and self-worth
For many transgender learners in Faisalabad, the school represented hope for a dignified future.
Role in Community and Social Development
Beyond academics, the school played an active role in community building. It regularly organized:
- Mehfil-e-Milad gatherings
- Langar and free food camps
- Educational trips for students
- Observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance
These activities helped integrate transgender individuals into broader social life while promoting acceptance and awareness.
Partnerships with Civil Society
The school also worked closely with civil society groups to expand its outreach. One notable collaborator was the Sathi Foundation, which supported awareness and welfare initiatives for marginalized communities.
Such partnerships strengthened the school’s impact and provided students with additional support beyond education.
Appeal to Punjab’s Chief Minister
During the protests, demonstrators made a direct appeal to Maryam Nawaz. They urged her to:
- Intervene in the matter
- Restore the transgender school immediately
- Ensure payment of pending teacher salaries
Protesters emphasized that education is a constitutional right and should not be denied based on gender identity.
Broader Impact on Transgender Education in Pakistan
This closure highlights a deeper issue facing transgender education in Pakistan:
- Limited access to inclusive schools
- High dropout rates due to discrimination
- Economic vulnerability of transgender teachers
- Lack of long-term policy support
Experts warn that shutting down such initiatives pushes transgender individuals back toward social exclusion and poverty.
Why Inclusive Education Matters
Inclusive education is not charity. It is a fundamental right. Schools like FirstStep Khawaja Sara Palace help:
- Reduce begging and exploitation
- Improve literacy and employment prospects
- Promote social harmony
- Uphold human dignity
Without institutional support, these gains risk being lost.
Conclusion
The reported shutdown of Faisalabad’s only transgender school has created an education crisis for one of the city’s most marginalized communities. Students are left without classrooms, teachers without pay, and families without hope.
Restoring the school is not just about reopening a building. It is about protecting the right to education, dignity, and equal opportunity for transgender citizens. Immediate action from the authorities can still
