FIR Filed Against Model and Photographer Over Wazir Khan Mosque Shoot
Lahore police have booked model Azbia Khan and photographer Zain Shah for staging a photoshoot inside the 17th-century Wazir Khan Mosque. The case was registered after the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) lodged a formal complaint. Officials alleged the duo carried out the shoot without permission and in a manner that disrespected the sanctity of the site. The matter has since ignited heated debate over cultural sensitivity, artistic expression, and law enforcement.
Public Backlash on Social Media
Footage from the photoshoot began circulating online and within hours it became a trending topic across platforms. Many users condemned the shoot as an insult to religious values, with some demanding immediate arrests. Civil society groups and heritage activists joined the chorus, arguing that mosques and shrines are sacred spaces, not backdrops for publicity. The incident has once again revealed how strongly public opinion reacts when cultural or religious lines are perceived to be crossed.
WCLA’s Firm Response
The Walled City of Lahore Authority, custodian of the mosque, reacted swiftly. In a statement, officials stressed that the mosque is a protected heritage site and no permit had been issued for any private shoot. They argued that such acts not only disrespect religious values but also damage Pakistan’s image internationally. The authority has urged police to ensure accountability, calling for stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Echoes of Past Incidents
This controversy is not without precedent. In 2020, actress Saba Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed faced backlash for filming part of a music video inside the same mosque. That episode triggered a provincial ban on film and drama shoots at mosques and shrines across Punjab. The recurrence of a similar incident suggests gaps in implementation of that policy. Critics argue that without consistent monitoring, rules on heritage protection remain ineffective.
Significance of Wazir Khan Mosque
Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1634 and 1641, the Wazir Khan Mosque is renowned for its intricate tilework, colorful frescoes, and architectural grandeur. It is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal artistry in South Asia. Beyond its cultural value, the mosque is a functioning place of worship that draws large numbers of devotees daily. Preservationists warn that careless use of such spaces undermines both their religious sanctity and historical importance.
Legal Implications
The FIR filed against Azbia Khan and Zain Shah invokes sections of law aimed at protecting places of worship and maintaining public order. If convicted, the duo may face fines or even imprisonment. Legal experts say the case will test how effectively Pakistan enforces heritage and religious protection laws. At the same time, some observers note the need for clearer guidelines so that creative professionals know where the boundaries lie.
Cultural Debate Rekindled
The incident has reignited debate over the balance between freedom of expression and respect for cultural sensitivities. Supporters of stricter rules argue that heritage sites should remain off-limits for commercial or personal shoots. Others, however, question whether blanket bans are fair, suggesting that regulated access under strict codes of conduct could allow art and heritage to coexist. The divide reflects wider tensions in Pakistani society over modernity, tradition, and creative liberties.
Calls for Stricter Safeguards
In the aftermath of the controversy, many voices are calling for tighter security and monitoring of heritage sites. Suggestions include installing more surveillance cameras, requiring formal written permits, and assigning staff specifically to supervise religious landmarks. Heritage activists emphasize that protecting monuments like Wazir Khan Mosque is not only a cultural duty but also a responsibility to future generations. The government’s response in the coming weeks will reveal how seriously it intends to enforce these protections.
