Page "Third gender" Paragraph 13

In June 2009, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered a census of hijras, who number between 80, 000 and 300, 000 in Pakistan.

In December 2009, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, ordered that the National Database and Registration Authority issue national identity cards to members of the community showing their " distinct " gender.

" It's the first time in the 62-year history of Pakistan that such steps are being taken for our welfare ", Almas Bobby, a hijra association's president, said to Reuters.

" It's a major step towards giving us respect and identity in society.

We are slowly getting respect in society.

Now people recognise that we are also human beings .".

In Pakistan the hijras live in groups ( generally 4-12 members ) headed by a Guru, normally the oldest.

The group earns livlihood by performing / dancing / singing in family functions e. g. birthdays, marriages or child births.

It is obligatory for hosts to pay Hijra in money, grain or other things.

In central Punjab ( Pakistan ), hijra groups divide areas among themselves and one group may not interfere with another's territory as it is considered unethical.