Police in Pakistan are to set recruitment quotas for transgender constables, while scores of transgender competitors are taking part in a long-running sporting festival as the country finds itself at the forefront of recognising trans rights in the region.

Pakistan last year introduced what were hailed as the most progressive legal protections for transgender people in Asia. Legislation allows them to identify their own gender on official documents and guarantees protection from harassment.

But despite the laws, discrimination and physical attacks remain rife and many still claim they have few opportunities beyond sex work and begging.

Officials organising the 72nd Punjab games being held in Lahore said they expected around 80 transgender competitors after they were allowed to take part for the first time.

The inclusion in this week's games in Pakistan's most populous province said the initiative was a trial run, with transgender entrants competing against each other in traditional village sports including a tug of war and sack race.

Participation could later be opened to the wider games which include dozens of modern and Olympic sports, officials said.