Introduction
A recent photoshoot inside Lahore’s iconic Wazir Khan Mosque has ignited a major controversy across Pakistan. The video of model Azbiya Khan, dressed in modern attire while posing for the camera, quickly went viral on social media, triggering an uproar among citizens who viewed the act as a violation of religious sanctity. The incident has raised debates about cultural sensitivity, respect for sacred spaces, and the increasing trend of social media influencers using heritage sites for personal promotion.
Following public outrage, police registered a case against both the model and the photographer involved. The matter is now under investigation, with officials from the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) emphasizing that no permission had been granted for such activity.
The Photoshoot and Its Viral Spread
Details of the Incident
According to Express News, the video clip of Azbiya Khan’s photoshoot was initially shared online by the model herself. In the short clip, she can be seen walking and posing inside the prayer hall of the mosque, with its historically significant architecture forming the backdrop. The video appeared to have been shot in the early hours of the morning, a time when the mosque is relatively empty.
The shoot was conducted by photographer Zain Shah, who accompanied the model. The footage revealed that no official staff or authority figures were present during the filming, further suggesting that the activity was carried out without prior approval.
Public Backlash on Social Media
As soon as the video surfaced online, it sparked outrage on Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook, with many users condemning the act as disrespectful and insensitive. Netizens criticized both the choice of attire and the manner in which the mosque was used as a fashion backdrop rather than being treated as a place of worship.
Some users compared the incident to similar controversies in the past, where models and influencers have been reprimanded for inappropriate conduct at religious or cultural sites. Hashtags such as #WazirKhanMosque and #RespectSacredPlaces began trending, with thousands of posts demanding strict action against the offenders.
Police Action and Official Complaint
FIR Registered by Authorities
Following the growing backlash, the Akbari Gate Police Station officially registered a case against Azbiya Khan and Zain Shah. The case was filed on the complaint of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), which is responsible for the preservation and management of historic monuments in Lahore’s old city.
The First Information Report (FIR) stated that the duo had secretly filmed the video inside the mosque without permission, violating established rules and regulations. According to the FIR, the shoot took place early in the morning to avoid detection, which itself is considered an intentional attempt to bypass regulations.
Charges and Legal Implications
The charges include trespassing without authorization, violating the sanctity of a religious site, and misuse of a protected heritage monument. If proven guilty, both the model and the photographer could face fines, imprisonment, or both under Pakistan’s Punjab Antiquities Act and other relevant sections of the law that safeguard places of worship.
The Wazir Khan Mosque: A Jewel of Mughal Architecture
Historical Significance
The controversy is further magnified by the historical importance of the Wazir Khan Mosque, one of the most treasured landmarks in Pakistan. Constructed in 1634–35 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is celebrated for its intricate tile work, frescoes, and grandeur.
Located in the heart of Lahore’s walled city, near the Delhi Gate, the mosque has long been considered not just a place of prayer but also a symbol of Mughal-era artistic mastery. Its walls are adorned with Persian inscriptions, floral motifs, and calligraphy, making it a UNESCO-recognized heritage site.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
For locals, the mosque holds deep religious and emotional value. It is not merely a tourist attraction but an active place of worship frequented by hundreds daily. Using it for fashion shoots or commercial purposes without following proper guidelines is often seen as offensive, sparking strong emotional reactions from the public whenever such incidents occur.
Past Controversies at Religious and Heritage Sites
This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place in Pakistan. Similar controversies have erupted in the past:
- Sana Javed’s Bridal Shoot (2016): Actress Sana Javed faced criticism after a bridal photoshoot inside the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, where she was accused of violating the sanctity of the site.
- International Fashion Brands: A few years ago, a global clothing brand was criticized for filming promotional material inside religious structures without obtaining consent.
- Tourist Misconduct in Mosques: On multiple occasions, foreign tourists have also been criticized for failing to follow dress codes or taking casual photos inside mosques.
Each of these incidents sparked debate about the balance between cultural promotion, creative expression, and respect for sacred places.
Public Debate: Art vs. Respect for Religion
The latest controversy has reignited the debate between freedom of artistic expression and the need to respect cultural and religious sensitivities. Supporters of strict action argue that sacred spaces should never be commercialized or disrespected, while others believe that with proper regulation, heritage sites can be used responsibly for creative projects.
Critics of the shoot argue that Azbiya Khan’s attire and poses were inappropriate for a mosque setting and that such acts trivialize the sanctity of religious places. On the other hand, a smaller section of society has raised questions about whether Pakistan’s regulations around heritage sites are clear enough for content creators and whether there should be more awareness campaigns instead of punitive measures alone.
Role of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA)
The WCLA plays a critical role in preserving Lahore’s historic architecture, including mosques, havelis, and bazaars. The organization issues permissions for filming, photography, and other events at heritage sites. Officials from WCLA clarified that no such permission was sought by Azbiya Khan or Zain Shah, and the act was therefore unlawful.
The authority emphasized that they welcome cultural documentation and responsible tourism, but only under guidelines that ensure the dignity and preservation of heritage sites is maintained.
Future Preventive Measures
Stricter Monitoring
In the wake of this incident, the WCLA and Punjab government are considering stricter measures to prevent unauthorized use of mosques and heritage monuments. These may include:
- Increased deployment of guards during non-prayer hours.
- Surveillance cameras at all entry points.
- Mandatory permits for all forms of photography and filming.
Awareness Campaigns
Authorities are also discussing the launch of awareness campaigns to educate influencers, photographers, and tourists about the importance of respecting cultural and religious boundaries.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Azbiya Khan’s photoshoot at the Wazir Khan Mosque highlights a growing tension between the desire for modern artistic expression and the need to preserve the sanctity of religious and cultural landmarks. While creativity and fashion may seek new canvases, sacred places of worship demand reverence, restraint, and responsibility.
The case now lies with law enforcement and judicial authorities, but the public debate continues. For Pakistan, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting its heritage—not just physically, but spiritually and culturally.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: religious sanctity and cultural heritage must be treated with respect, regardless of the popularity or intentions of those seeking to use these spaces for personal gain.
