Punjab police on Saturday arrested several transgender individuals over their alleged role in organising a private party in Lahore deemed “objectionable” by authorities. The action followed the circulation of videos on social media reportedly showing 50-60 people, including transgender persons, in attendance.
According to the FIR, the footage, dated August 1, contained what authorities described as “explicit content,” leading to the case being registered at Naseerabad police station under sections 292, 292-A, and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, alongside Section 6 of the Sound System Act.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Lahore Faisal Kamran said promoting obscenity through parties or photoshoots is a legal offence and that all involved will be brought to justice. The screening of the banned film Joyland, which features a transgender love story, was also stopped in the city.
Transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali said those in the video were “not trans activists” and alleged that the video only went viral after being shared by fashion designer Maria B. Human rights advocates also warned that vague morality laws can be misused, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.
Authorities have indicated that the crackdown on what they describe as “immoral activities” will continue across Punjab.
