Like other problems of transvestites, the issue of the unavailability of an orphanage for transgender-children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is of paramount importance. Verily one is shocked to know that most of the parents do not accept their transgender-children, and are in utter disregard of their instinctive urge and the deep rooted parental love and attachment. The spur responsible for this deplorable phenomenon would be dealt with later on. A young trans child, when turned out from a parents’ home, their family and nearly all the relatives show no sympathy toward the child who has to suffer for it. In these circumstances transgender-children are forced to join the khwaja sira community, which, in such a critical situation is the only resort for the banished child. The community provides such children with the the basic necessities of life. They, in turn, adopt the profession of dancing and entertainment etc. They are formally given training in the field of singing and dancing etc, and people who have no sympathy for them otherwise highly appreciate their songs and dancing on certain happy occasions. As already stated afore, unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to being labelled as transgender. The attitude of parents is not only deplorable but infinitely condemnable and is against the spirit of human nature. Actually, lack of education and awareness is also a factor responsible for this state of affairs. Educated and civilized parents do not let others know about their child’s gender identity. On the other hand, if such a child is disowned by all his/her dear-ones, then they have no option but to join the khwaja sira community which is the only door open to them for earning their livelihood. The government must set up an orphanage or a special home for transgender-children who are disowned by their parents. It will provide a safe-haven for them. Civil society members, human rights activists, political workers, youth and scholars should come together to provide a respectable space for them and protect their due rights It is a fact, that due to the fear of joblessness, khwaja siras adopt the profession of dancing and entertainment, while most of them don’t like it and want to leave it, they are unable to do so due to social compulsions. If opportunities can be provided to them they can carry out almost all types of jobs. They can run their own shops, enterprises, boutiques, cafes and everything that other individuals can. However, it is alarming that there is no educational institute or technical/ vocational training center in the province to educate and train them and to teach them modern skills. Before we move on, I would like to highlight that like other vulnerable communities, Khwaja siras are also under serious threat in KP. They live a miserable and sub-standard life and are considered useful only for performing dance and at parties. Most of the people enjoy their miseries and exploit their basic rights. This community does not have any respect in the society and its members are considered as social outcasts. The inhuman attitude of the public shows that they are insecure amongst us, and need special attention and care. According to media reports, almost 50 khwaja siras have been killed and more than 300 have faced violence and gender discrimination during the last four years in the province. They are facing multiple threats including harassment and kidnapping and face inhuman attitude in public places. Besides, prostitution is also a common profession in the khwaja sira community. The high rate of prostitution exposes the community to the hazards of HIV/ AIDS. The rest of the population living with the disease remains hidden because of the prevailing stigma attached to it. According to a report, the number of registered khwaja siras in the province is 1600 plus, while a large number of the members of this community are reluctant to get them registered due to being exposed. In this regard, the provincial government has badly failed in eradicating the menace and abuse they face, and in forming effective strategies to uplift their living standards and to safeguard their rights. Khwaja Siras are kind-hearted and innocent people but the society’s behavior pushes them to social isolation where they are reluctant even to share their personal pain and experiences with others, except their own community members. This is the prime responsibility of the KP government to protect their due rights. It should review its policies to uplift their lifestyle. Discrimination should be eliminated at every level and they should be considered equal citizens in the society. The government must provide them with all the necessities of life which they deserve. Trans people should also be given the right to take loans from the banks and start different types of businesses to earn their livelihood in a respectable manner. The government must set up an orphanage or a special home for transgender-children who are disowned by their parents. It will provide a safe-haven for them. Civil society members, human rights activists, political workers, youth and scholars should come together to provide a respectable space for them and protect their due rights. It is the need of the hour that transgenders should be allowed by the public to live a respectable life in the society. Special incentives should be granted to them. They should be provided the opportunities to earn a respectable livelihood. Those, who are interested in the profession of dance, should not be disturbed. Similarly, they should be recognised constitutionally and interaction should be strengthened with them to make an environment of peace and integrity. Media should also play its due role to change the prevailing mindset of the public regarding this community. Published in Daily Times, February 7th 2019.