NCCIA Summons Maria B Over Video Targeting Transgender Community

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has initiated an inquiry against fashion designer Maria B following a controversial video she shared on social media regarding the transgender community.

Officials said on Saturday that a formal notice had been issued to the designer, summoning her to appear before the agency on August 26. The inquiry was launched after a complaint by Naeem Butt, also known as Seema Butt, who accused Maria B of spreading propaganda against transgender persons.

The controversy stemmed from a video posted on her Facebook page, in which the designer described a gathering as an “objectionable dance party” allegedly aimed at promoting obscenity and satanic symbols. She also linked the event to the release of Joyland, a critically acclaimed film centred on the transgender community.

Maria B claimed that young people, including minors, had sent her the video, saying they had attended the party without knowing its nature. She demanded government action against the organisers and participants, alleging the event had taken place in Lahore.

Court dismisses charges
Following the uproar, Punjab police arrested several transgender persons. However, a local court later dismissed the case, ruling that there was no evidence connecting the detainees to the alleged offences. The court also rejected a request for their physical remand and acquitted them of all charges.

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Maria B, who has previously voiced criticism of what she describes as the rising influence of the transgender community and homosexuality in Pakistan, has hired Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq to represent her. “Consultations are under way regarding the matter,” the lawyer said.

Previous dispute
This is not the first time the designer has been at the centre of controversy. In April, Turkish influencer Turkan Atay accused her of non-payment for a marketing shoot, alleging unprofessional conduct. “It has been three months, they have treated me unprofessionally and I will not be letting go of this,” Atay had said at the time.