What is LGBT history in Pakistan?
{{no sources|date=December 2024}} [[Image:Mahmud and Ayaz and Shah Abbas I.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Mahmud of Ghazni]] (in red robe), shaking hands with a sheikh, with his companion [[Malik Ayaz]] standing behind him. (1515)]] Royalty of transgender people; Under the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal rule]], [[transgender]] people were called ''khawjasaras'', a designation of respect and dignity. The [[Mughals]] employed transgender people as security officials in charge of female quarters. This role was assigned to transgender people in imitation of their historic role in Holy Cities where transgender people served as facilitators between men and women performing [[Prayer]]s and [[Pilgrimage]]. In most parts of the Muslim world, transgender people commanded respect and were considered holy and special in the eyes of the Lord. The spirituality of transgender people is considered as authentic as that of men and women. The Prophet of Islam treated transgender people with respect, prohibited their ill-treatment, and had good things to say about spiritually-inclined transgender people. Believing that transgender people are dearer to [[Allah|God]] (The Creator), some Muslim rulers appointed them as intercessors in Royal Palaces, including those of the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] and the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]]. In the Indus Valley Region (i.e. Pakistan), the Mughals appointed transgender people to positions of power and trust. Transgender people served as courtiers and councils, giving advice to [[prince]]s and [[princess]]es. They were familiar with court etiquette and knew the secret workings of Mughal households. They were domestic insiders. Having the controls of intelligence officers and the prestige of [[Royal family|Royal]] confidantes, transgender people enjoyed special powers and privileges unavailable even to the most powerful ''wazirs'' (ministers) of the Islamic Kingdom. Transgender people were educated in statecraft and nuances of [[religion]]. This treatment and elevation in the Mughal courts provided a great incent