Legal Case Filed After Viral Photoshoot
A case has been registered against model Azbiah Khan and photographer Zain Shah after they conducted a photoshoot inside Lahore’s historic Wazir Khan Mosque.
According to police officials, the shoot was carried out without official permission and in what many citizens considered inappropriate attire for a sacred place. The incident drew widespread criticism after a video of the shoot circulated on social media, prompting swift public and official response.
Police Raids Underway
Following the backlash, the Akbari Gate Police Station in Lahore registered a First Information Report (FIR) on the complaint of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), which is responsible for the mosque’s preservation.
Both the model and photographer have been formally named in the FIR. Authorities say police teams have begun conducting raids at different locations in an attempt to arrest them.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
The photoshoot sparked outrage online, with thousands of users condemning what they described as a blatant disregard for religious sensitivities. Many called the act “unacceptable” and urged authorities to take strict action.
Commentators noted that entering a mosque with inappropriate clothing and using it as a backdrop for fashion content undermined the sanctity of the holy site. The debate highlighted a broader tension between modern social media trends and cultural or religious norms in Pakistan.
The Significance of Wazir Khan Mosque
The Wazir Khan Mosque, built in the 17th century during the Mughal era, is one of Lahore’s most iconic landmarks. Renowned for its intricate tile work and frescoes, the mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.
The site attracts both worshippers and tourists, and the WCLA has emphasized that special permission is required for any filming or photography inside the premises. In recent years, the mosque has been at the center of several controversies where commercial or entertainment activities clashed with its religious role.
Ongoing Debate: Heritage Sites and Content Creation
This incident has reignited debate over how Pakistan’s cultural and religious sites should be used in the age of digital media. With the rapid rise of TikTok and Instagram content creators, heritage sites have increasingly become backdrops for videos and photos.
However, critics argue that using mosques and other sacred spaces for such purposes violates cultural and religious values. Advocates of stricter rules say clearer guidelines are needed to prevent misuse, while some suggest designated spaces for content creation within heritage sites could be a solution.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time the Wazir Khan Mosque has been in the spotlight. In 2020, another photoshoot sparked outrage when a clothing brand filmed promotional content inside the mosque. That incident also led to public condemnation and a ban on the use of mosques for commercial shoots.
The repetition of such controversies indicates ongoing challenges in regulating access to sacred and heritage spaces, especially as social media content creation continues to grow.
What Happens Next?
For now, police efforts are focused on locating the model and photographer. If arrested, they could face charges under laws protecting religious sites and preventing public nuisance.
The WCLA has also indicated it will review procedures to strengthen oversight of heritage sites. Officials stress that preserving the dignity of mosques is essential, particularly those as historically significant as Wazir Khan Mosque.
