RAWALPINDI: National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) has started issuing Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to the transvestites in Rawalpindi division following the directions of Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Besides issuance of CNICs, the Election Commission has also started registering them in the voter list.

Nadra mobile van at Firdosi Road has received 249 application forms for identity cards.

Mobile vans are also available at specific points in every district for the purpose and they are receiving application forms. The transvestites who already have identity cards can get their gender changed on it.

The transvestites having family certificates verified by respective social welfare officer can get themselves registered with Nadra.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Rawalpindi division Zahid Saeed chaired a meeting which was attended among others by Additional Commissioner Ch Habibullah, ADC (Revenue) Talat Mahmood Gondal, Nadra and Election Commission representatives. During the meeting, the commissioner was briefed on the progress made by Nadra regarding the issuance of CNICs to the transvestites.

On the occasion, he said all the transvestites living in the division should be registered with Nadra and Election Commission.

Nadra representative informed the meeting that no fee was being charged for the issuance of new identity cards. However, those who wanted to get their gender changed on identity cards, would be charged Rs200 a card.

Election Commission official said that the transvestites, who had received their identity cards from Nadra, were being registered in the voter list.