Transgender Nayab Ali declared eligible to contest elections 2024

The Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Election Appellate Tribunal allowed transgender candidate Nayab Ali to contest Election 2024 from NA-47.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir announced a reserved verdict on appeals filed against the approval of Ali’s nomination papers. He remarked that contesting the election was every citizen’s right.

During the hearing, the court assistants said that the Constitution and the Election Act do not prevent transgender people from participating in elections, transgender people can participate in elections.

They went on to add that the Sharia Court also did not oppose transgender contesting elections.

Nayab Ali, a determined candidate from the National Assembly seat NA-47 Islamabad, aims to champion the rights of women and slum dwellers, recognizing the significant population of 500,000 female voters in his constituency.

His voice, amplified by the aspirations of a marginalized community, promises to resonate with those seeking change and representation.

The Election Commission of Pakistan will publish preliminary lists of candidates tomorrow, while they can withdraw their nomination papers by Friday.

According to election schedule, today is the last day to dispose of appeals filed against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers for the general elections by Appellate Tribunals. 

These tribunals are being headed by judges of the High Courts. The revised list of candidates will also be published on Friday.

The electoral symbols will be allotted on Saturday while polling for general elections will be held on 8th of next month.