The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an inquiry into renowned fashion designer Maria B, following a complaint that her social media posts amounted to hate speech targeting the transgender community.
The complaint, filed by Naeem Butt (also known as Seema Butt), alleges that Maria B spread harmful anti-trans rhetoric, emotionally hurting the community. She has been summoned to appear before the NCCIA on August 26, with authorities warning that non-compliance will be treated as forfeiture of her right to a defence.
The inquiry stems from a video post by Maria B in which she condemned a private transgender gathering in Lahore as “un-Islamic,” urging provincial authorities to take action.
Earlier, Lahore police had arrested transgender individuals over what they termed an “objectionable” gathering and charged them under obscenity clauses. The arrests were later dismissed by a magistrate, who cited lack of evidence, no eyewitness testimonies, missing raid permissions, and concluded the allegations appeared fabricated.
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Trans activist Nayyab Ali responded to the controversy by clarifying that attendees at the gathering were not involved in the trans rights movement, further questioning Maria B’s decision to amplify the video. Observers warn that vague morality laws can be weaponised to unfairly target vulnerable communities.
In parallel, Maria B is also facing a legal dispute with Turkish influencer or model Türkan Atay, who has taken issue with unpaid dues from a campaign shoot conducted earlier this year in Türkiye. Atay has forwarded a legal notice demanding $8,000 in payment, along with compensation for emotional distress and legal fees.
Maria B previously stirred public debate in February when she sharply criticised the “Unsuccessful Women’s March” held on Pakistan’s National Women’s Day, calling it the “Qaum-e-Lout March.” She claimed that Pakistani society had already rebuffed the movement and suggested that its organisers were pushed by external funding and hidden motives.
