Maryam addresses diplomacy moot in Turkish city today

Initiative will enable the transgender community to earn a dignified livelihood instead of asking for alms

By Our Correspondent

April 12, 2025

CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz is addressing a press conference in Lahore. — Geo News/screengrab

ANTALYA/LAHORE: Deputy Governor of Antalya, Dr Suat Seyito lu, welcomed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif upon her arrival in Antalya, Türkiye. CM is visiting Türkiye on the invitation of First Lady Emine Erdo an to attend the Diplomacy Forum 2025.

She will speak at the international conference themed “Building the Future in a Divided World: Education as a Force for Change” today (April 12). Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb is also accompanying her on the visit.

Meanwhile, a handout issued by the Punjab government said a comprehensive technical skills training programme has been launched for the transgender community in the province on instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The Initiative will enable the transgender community to earn a dignified livelihood instead of asking for alms.

Under the chief minister’s vision, 1600 transgender people will be imparted training of various skills in the first phase under Technical Skills Training and Punjab Skills Development Fund Programmes. Transgenders will be made economically independent and empowered by imparting IT and freelancing training. For the first time in Punjab, healthcare assistant skills training will be organised for transgenders.

The community members will also be imparted tailoring and fashion designing training to help them earn a dignified living. The transgender people will be trained in electrical work, solar technology, beauty services and culinary arts.

The chief minister said in a statement, “Ruthless and callous attitude being meted out to transgender community is highly regrettable. Transgenders are forced to beg due to social boycott and lack of proper employment opportunities. They will be imparted skills to prove that talent is above any gender.”

She added, “The Punjab government strives to grant a respectable place to transgender community in society. The destiny and lives of transgenders will be changed by launching revolutionary vocational training programmes in the province.”