Marvia Malik: Pakistan hires first transgender news anchor
The 21-year-old journalist and model said she was ‘moved to tears’ when offered the job

A Pakistani news channel has made history by appointing the country’s first transgender TV newsreader.
Journalist and model Marvia Malik, 21, made her debut on the Lahore-based Kohenoor news channel on 23 March, and told the BBC she was “moved to tears” when she was offered the job.
Pakistan’s social networks were “abuzz” following Marvia Malik’s first on-air appearance, says CNN. Many hailed the move as progress for transgender rights in Pakistan, a country in which violence and discrimination against members of the LGBT community are widespread.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Malik, whose own family have disowned her, told CNN she is “pleased with the attention” that her appointment has generated, but said “more needs to be done when it comes to improving the lives of Pakistan’s transgender community”.
“I want to show the country that we are more than objects of ridicule, that we are also human,” she said. “I want the next generation of young transgender kids to look up to me as an inspiration that they can be accepted and that there can be opportunities for them.”
According to Pakistan’s most recent census in 2017, which recorded the country’s transgender population for the first time, fewer than 10,000 people identify as transgender in a country of almost 200 million.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why are American conservatives clashing with Pope Leo?
Talking Points Comments on immigration and abortion draw backlash
-
9 haunted hotels where things definitely go bump in the night
The Week Recommends Don’t fear these spirited spots. Embrace them.
-
Saudi comedy fest exposes free speech schism in stand-up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The decision by some of stand-up’s biggest names to attend a festival in a nation infamous for its censorship has the comedy world picking sides and settling old scores
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
China looms large over India and Pakistan's latest violence
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Beijing may not have had troops on the ground, but as South Asia's two nuclear powers bared their teeth over Kashmir, China eyed an opportunity
-
Kashmir: India and Pakistan's conflict explained
The Explainer Tensions at boiling point in the disputed region after India launched retaliatory air strikes on its neighbour
-
India strikes Pakistan as tensions mount in Kashmir
speed read Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it an 'act of war'