The Akbari Gate police have registered a case against model Azbia Khan and photographer Zain Shah for allegedly violating the sanctity of the historic Masjid Wazir Khan by recording a video on its premises without official approval.
The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Mohammad Awais, an official of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), after a clip of the shoot surfaced on social media. According to the complaint, the model was “dressed inappropriately,” and no permission had been granted for filming at the heritage site.
The WCLA official said the video was recorded about four days before being uploaded online, where it quickly drew sharp criticism. He added that the act not only disrespected the sanctity of the mosque but also damaged the department’s reputation, which is tasked with preserving Lahore’s cultural landmarks.
This is not the first such controversy at Masjid Wazir Khan. In August 2020, actor Saba Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed were also booked for filming part of a music video at the mosque, sparking widespread backlash. Following that episode, the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department imposed a province-wide ban on filming dramas and movies in mosques and shrines.
The latest incident has reignited debate over the use of religious and heritage sites for commercial and entertainment purposes, with renewed calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.
