Authorities in Lahore have initiated legal proceedings against a female model and a photographer for allegedly recording a video inside the centuries-old Wazir Khan Mosque without prior authorisation.
The FIR, registered at Akbari Gate police station, was based on a complaint by Muhammad Owais of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). It accuses model Azbia Khan and photographer Zain Shah of filming within the mosque grounds while dressed inappropriately, in violation of its sanctity.
Owais explained that although the incident occurred on 13 August, legal action was only taken on 17 August after officials were alerted. He stressed that the complaint was filed to protect the dignity of a site of religious and cultural significance.
Police sources disclosed that the complainant did not provide concrete details such as addresses or verified identities of the suspects. They said the move largely followed pressure from mosque authorities who expressed displeasure at the filming. Investigators are now attempting to trace the individuals.
The Wazir Khan Mosque, built during the Mughal era under Emperor Shah Jahan, is celebrated for its vibrant tile work and frescoes. It has been undergoing restoration for more than a decade under international and local partnerships.
This is not the first such dispute. In 2020, actress Saba Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed were booked for filming a music video at the same mosque, a case that also drew wide public debate.