A Lahore magistrate dismissed the case against a group of transgender persons arrested for allegedly hosting an “objectionable” private party. The court ruled that no incriminating evidence linked the accused to the alleged offences and noted procedural irregularities, including the absence of private witnesses and valid permission for the raid.

The case was filed after videos of the gathering went viral on social media, initially posted by fashion designer Maria B, who called for action against transgender persons. The FIR accused 50–60 individuals under obscenity-related provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Sound System Act.

Human rights activists and legal experts condemned the arrests, warning that vague obscenity laws often lead to arbitrary enforcement against marginalised groups. Transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali criticised the targeting of the community, arguing that the viral spread of the video itself was an act of harm.

Officials have pledged to continue monitoring and taking action against gatherings they deem “immoral,” raising concerns among digital and human rights defenders about the misuse of morality laws.