Lahore: Fashion designer Maria B has been issued a formal summons by the National Counter Terrorism Authority's Cyber Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore. The action comes in response to a complaint alleging that she incited public negativity against the transgender community by sharing a video online.
The notice directs Maria B to appear before the NCCIA on August 26. The authority has made it clear that if she fails to show up, it will be considered a forfeiture of her right to present a defense.
The controversy began when a video, shared by the designer and claiming to be from a private transgender event, led to widespread outrage on social media. In response, Lahore police launched an investigation and detained five individuals. However, a duty magistrate later ordered their release, stating that there was not enough evidence. Following this decision, Lahore police announced their intention to challenge the ruling in session’s court.
The incident sparked a strong reaction from members of the transgender community and human rights advocates, who condemned Maria B for her actions. They argued that by sharing the unverified video, she endangered lives and caused harassment during subsequent police raids on private residences.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Maria B defended her actions. She claimed she was being unfairly targeted for exposing what she described as an "un-Islamic agenda" and urged authorities to focus on arresting the alleged organizers of the event rather than those who simply attended it.
