The Punjab Education Department has shut down Faisalabad’s only transgender-focused school, FirstStep Khawaja Sara Palace Non-Formal High School, located in Mohammadi Colony. Teachers were dismissed without pay, and over fifty students were forced to discontinue their education overnight.
The sudden closure triggered immediate protests outside the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Education in Faisalabad. Transgender teachers and students gathered to demand restoration of the school and the release of unpaid salaries, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Established in 2023, the school was the only educational institution in Faisalabad division catering specifically to transgender individuals. Protesters emphasized that the school offered a safe environment, providing students with education, dignity, and a chance to avoid exploitative activities such as begging.
Read more : Faisalabad overtakes Lahore as smog crisis deepens across Punjab
Beyond academics, the school played a significant role in community life. It organized events like Mehfil-e-Milad, large Langar and Niyaz distributions, educational trips, free food camps, and observed Transgender Day of Remembrance, fostering inclusion and awareness.
The institution collaborated closely with civil society groups and transgender organizations, including Sathi Foundation, which enhanced its impact and outreach. Protesters stressed that the school’s programs strengthened community engagement and created valuable opportunities for marginalized individuals.
Demonstrators have appealed directly to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, urging her to intervene, restore the school, and ensure payment of outstanding salaries. They warned that continued closure could reverse progress made toward education and empowerment of transgender students in the region.