Lahore Police have registered a case against a female model and a photographer for recording a video inside the historic Wazir Khan Mosque without permission.
The FIR was lodged at Akbari Gate police station on the complaint of Muhammad Owais, an official of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). It names model Azbia Khan and photographer Zain Shah, accusing them of violating the sanctity of the mosque.
Speaking to SAMAA Digital, Owais said the model filmed the video in mosque’s premises wearing "inappropriate attire" and without obtaining prior approval from the authority.
He added that while the incident took place on August 13, the case was filed on the night of August 17 after it came to their notice.
Owais stated the action was taken to protect the sanctity of the mosque and that efforts will be made to ensure the accused face punishment.
Police sources, however, said the complainant did not provide addresses or contact details of the suspects, nor were their names verified. The sources claimed the FIR was registered after the mosque administration expressed ‘displeasure’ and officials sought legal action.
Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the suspects, police sources said.
Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari, Secretary Auqaf, told SAMAA Digital that the FIR had been lodged and that WCLA is pursuing the matter.
A similar controversy erupted in August 2020 when a case was registered against actress Saba Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed for allegedly filming a music video at the same mosque, which authorities said violated its sanctity.
Mosque Wazir Khan
Wazir Khan Mosque (is a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque located in the heart of Lahore. The Mughal era mosque was commissioned by Wazir Khan, governor of Punjab during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque was constructed between 1634 and 1641 as part of a larger architectural ensemble that also included the historic Shahi Hammam baths.
It is currently listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.
Widely regarded as the most ornately decorated mosque of the Mughal period, Wazir Khan Mosque is celebrated for its intricate faience tile work, known locally as kashi-kari, and its richly adorned interior walls, which are covered with elaborate Mughal frescoes.
Since 2009, the site has undergone extensive restoration under the supervision of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Punjab government, with additional support from Germany, Norway, and the United States.
