Pakistani Allies On Transgender Advocacy (PAOTA)

Pakistani Allies On Transgender Advocacy (PAOTA) is an emerging, non-government advocacy project which stands for the rights of intersex and third gender people across Pakistan. We understand that the word “transgender” is used as an umbrella term to describe people from gender diverse backgrounds.

Vision: “Every third gender person in Pakistan must have the right to participate as equal citizen across mental, physical, social and spiritual aspect of life. And be economically empowered from birth till old age regardless of their gender.”

Mission:

E-Advocate for Transgenders in Pakistan, especially for their health & safety.
Bring Transgenders back to the path of Universal Sufism in order to heal through spirituality and recreate their power in the Muslim world.
Partner with allies such as the overseas Pakistanis, Pakistani Youth and Sufis across the world in support of transgender minority.
Discourage and Eliminate the practice of begging and sex work from the transgender community as a source of income.

Goals 2021-2025:

Discourage and Eliminate the practice of begging and sex work from the transgender community as a source of income.
Reform the Charter of Trans Rights & Responsibilities.
Create Pakistani Transgender Directory that includes a list of trans-friendly services across different provinces and territories of Pakistan.
Host a 2022 Consultation Forum with Transgenders across different provinces and territories of Pakistan.Partner with relevant organisations to provide employability skills to transgenders in the context of safe Pakistani labour, ethical businesses, digital skills, community service opportunities and other life skills.
Launch Khwajasara Ettiquetes Program, a two-day short program where Khawajasara share and learn the Sufi Adab and the importance of Futuwwah (Sufi chivalry) for our society and youth. Read more here.

"We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends. We also acknowledge the 160 years of contribution of Baloch, Saraiki, Sindhi, Pakhtun & Punjabi cameleers & farmers in the making of Australia. We acknowledge & celebrate the spirit of ANZAC & 10th Baluch Regiment. Pakistan Zindabad."