Punjab police arrested multiple transgender individuals on Saturday over their alleged involvement in an “obscene” private party in Lahore. The crackdown came after videos of the gathering, reportedly attended by 50-60 people, went viral on social media. Fashion designer Maria B initially shared the footage, demanding action against what she called a violation of the country’s moral values. Authorities swiftly registered an FIR under obscenity and public decency laws, igniting a heated debate over freedom of expression and state overreach.
The FIR, filed at Naseerabad police station, invokes sections of the Pakistan Penal Code related to obscenity, alongside the Sound System Act. DIG Lahore Faisal Kamran defended the arrests, stating that “promoting obscenity under any pretext is illegal.” He also referenced the banned film Joyland, whose Lahore screening was blocked, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward content deemed un-Islamic or immoral. The move has drawn criticism from activists who argue that vague morality laws enable arbitrary enforcement, particularly against vulnerable groups.
Transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali disputed the police’s narrative, clarifying that those in the video were not affiliated with the trans rights movement. She accused Maria B of amplifying the controversy by sharing the clips, questioning why the designer wasn’t held accountable for spreading the material. Legal experts echoed concerns, noting that obscenity laws are often weaponized to target marginalized communities while ignoring similar conduct by influential figures.
As authorities vow to expand the crackdown on “immoral activities,” human rights advocates warn of escalating censorship and discrimination. The incident highlights tensions between conservative societal norms and individual freedoms, with critics urging reforms to prevent misuse of laws. Meanwhile, the transgender community—already facing systemic violence—fears further stigmatization, calling for fair legal scrutiny and protection of private gatherings from state intrusion.