In a groundbreaking achievement, the Muzaffargarh Traffic Police has issued a truck driver’s license to a transgender person for the first time in Punjab, Pakistan.
Shahaana Abbas Shani has made history by obtaining a Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) license from the department. Speaking to the media, Shani revealed that her aspiration to earn a dignified livelihood motivated her to take this significant step.
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During her journey to acquire driving skills, Shani faced harsh rejection from several truck drivers who mistakenly perceived her as just another beggar seeking easy money. She recounted, “They thought I was just another beggar trying to make easy money.”
پنجاب میں پہلی دفعہ ایک خواجہ سرا کو ٹرک چلانے کا لائسنس جاری pic.twitter.com/osTO51Kwrw
— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) September 2, 2023
The Muzaffargarh Traffic Police Department ensured that Shani received comprehensive training on traffic laws relevant to HTVs. Sibt-ul-Hassan Shah, the Police Help Center Incharge, confirmed that Shani successfully passed the driving test and was granted her HTV license by the department. He encouraged other transgender individuals to follow in Shani’s footsteps and pursue an honorable livelihood.
Shani expressed her desire to inspire others like her across Pakistan, encouraging them to aspire to earn a respectful living, both within the country and abroad. This milestone reflects a significant step towards inclusivity and equal opportunities for transgender individuals in Pakistan.
