Lahore Police Detain Transgender Persons After Private Party Video Goes Viral
Lahore – A late-night gathering in Lahore’s Naseerabad area has drawn heavy police action after clips of the event made their way onto social media, sparking a storm of criticism. Several transgender persons were arrested, with officials accusing them of promoting “obscenity.”
The videos, which began circulating on August 1, showed around 50 to 60 people — including members of the transgender community — dancing and celebrating. Fashion designer Maria B was among the first to post the footage online, urging the government to respond.
By Saturday, an FIR had been registered citing multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including laws against obscene content and misuse of sound systems. Police said the arrests were made under orders from the provincial authorities.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran told reporters that “immoral gatherings” disguised as parties or photoshoots will not be tolerated. He warned that such activities are punishable and confirmed that the crackdown will continue across the province.
The development, however, triggered another debate. Transgender activist Nayyab Ali argued that those shown in the clips “are not part of the rights movement,” accusing Maria B herself of spreading the videos. Rights groups have also voiced concern that morality laws, which are vaguely worded, are often misused to target marginalized communities.
The controversy coincides with renewed attention on the film Joyland, which was banned in Punjab two years ago for its portrayal of a transgender character. Activists see the two incidents as part of the same pattern of restrictions.
For now, police say the investigation remains open, and further arrests may follow.
Published in Daily Pak, August 17th, 2025