The Lahore High Court has served notices to the Punjab government, chief secretary, and inspector general and instructed them to report the Punjab police’s “discriminatory” behavior towards transgender people.

“Articles 4, 18, and 25 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, provide a shield against any discrimination, especially in respect to a job or profession to earn a livelihood,” the court said, referring to the Punjab police’s “discriminatory” behavior toward transgender people. “However, the respondents’ refusal to allow transgender people to compete with the other applicants offends the said provisions of the Constitution,” the court added.

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Earlier this month, Sira Ashi, a transgender woman from Lahore, filed a court suit against the police. It claimed that, despite meeting all conditions, the Punjab police have been “discriminatory” in treating transgender people by refusing to hire them.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan said in a written decision issued Saturday that the petition addressed an important issue of public concern. In response, he has demanded responses from the Punjab police and administration.

The Lahore High court mentioned that government employees do not follow the transgender Persons Act of 2018 during the hiring procedure.

“Let notices be issued to the respondents (Punjab government, chief secretary, and inspector-general) with the directive that they file their report before the next date of hearing,” Justice Khan said.

The court has appointed two prominent lawyers as judicial assistants, citing the gravity of the matter. The case has been rescheduled until November 1st.