Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Faisal Kamran has said the police will challenge a local magistrate’s ruling that dismissed charges against several members of the transgender community, who were arrested for holding an “objectionable” private function in Lahore.

 

 

At least five people were last week arrested for participating in an event allegedly hosted by the transgender community in Lahore. The event received attention after fashion designer Maria B shared visuals from the same, alleging that minors were present and that the gathering aimed to “promote values inconsistent with cultural traditions”.

 

 

Transgender rights advocate Nayyab Ali refuted these allegations, asserting that the individuals captured in the videos had no connection to the rights movement and that the event only came under scrutiny after Maria B published the clips. On police’s claim that the gathering was commercial in nature – with tickets allegedly sold for Rs4,000 – organisers said that the proceeds from the event were meant for elderly transgender individuals.

 

 

As statements from both camps, along with objectionable videos, went viral over the internet, a magistrate in Lahore dismissed the charges against the arrested transgender individuals, stating that there were no recorded eyewitness statements, insufficient documentation was provided, and the case appeared to be based on fabricated claims. Following the magistrate's order, the defendants were released.

 

 

While human rights organisations expressed concerns that morality was being misused against marginalised communities, exposing them to arbitrary policing, DIG Kamran said that the gathering, which took place in August at a private studio rented for 12 hours, lacked official approval from the district administration.

 

 

He confirmed that the case surfaced after Maria B posted a video on social media, questioning the government’s permission for such events. The DIG said that approximately 30 to 50 people, including members of the transgender community, where present at the event that featured performances described by him as objectionable.

 

 

The police official noted that the studio owner should have notified authorities about the booking and was accountable for reporting the activities. He pointed out that those who organised the event, including the music director and others involved in stage management, have been identified and some have been arrested.

 

 

When asked about the court's decision, DIG Kamran said that police had requested a five-day physical remand from court and provided video evidence along with a USB drive. However, the magistrate released the five arrested individuals, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. He confirmed that police intended to appeal the ruling in a sessions court and have already contacted the prosecutor’s office. 

 

 

DIG Kamran asserted that the case should remain active and investigators were still working to identify the 40 to 50 attendees.