A local court in the provincial capital acquitted all those arrested in connection with a controversial LGBTQ-themed party in Lahore’s Naseerabad area, granting them a clean chit.
According to police, five people had been detained, including studio owner Janan Sindhu. Among them were transgender performers Ishal and Urooj, who were allegedly dancing at the event, as well as studio sweeper Muhammad Ali and sound system operator Shahid.
The court, however, dismissed police requests for physical remand, ordering the immediate release of all detainees. Officials noted that while investigations into the legal aspects of the case would continue, the attendees had been set free.
The arrests followed outrage over a viral video showing drag and provocative performances at what was described as an LGBTQ gathering. The footage sparked heated debate online and drew sharp criticism.
Fashion designer Maria B strongly condemned the event, labeling it immoral and “satanic.” She claimed children had forwarded her the videos and pointed to symbols she found troubling, accusing authorities of enabling such gatherings to spread “un-Islamic” values. She further urged parents to remain vigilant, warning against what she described as a “Western agenda” influencing Pakistan’s youth.
For checking out news of that event, check out Lahore LGBTQ-Themed Event Featuring ‘Satanic’ Symbols Triggers Online Backlash
