Renowned fashion designer Maria B defends post in transgender case, sparking free speech and rights debate.
appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after a complaint filed in August. The case started when Naeem Butt, also known as Seema Butt, accused her of defaming the transgender community through a social media post.

Maria B authorized her lawyer, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, to represent her on September 2. In her written reply, the lawyer argued that Maria B exercised her constitutional right under Article 19 to freedom of expression. He stated that her post was within legal limits, made in good faith, and aimed at public welfare.

Moreover, the reply said that the video in question did not identify individuals. People in the footage wore masks and were hardly visible, making defamation claims invalid. According to her, the complaint was filed with malicious intent to harass her.

Last week, Lahore police booked nearly 60 people, including transgender individuals, after Maria B shared pictures and videos of a private party on her social media accounts. Police claimed it was an objectionable gathering. Some attendees were arrested. However, a magistrate dismissed the case, saying there was no evidence linking the transgender people to illegal activities.

Earlier, Maria B posted a video demanding strict action against what she described as an “inappropriate transgender event” in Lahore. She said such gatherings violated the country’s moral values.

This is not the first controversy for the designer. She has faced criticism before for her remarks against the transgender community. Her repeated statements and posts have sparked debates on freedom of speech, morality, and the treatment of marginalized groups in Pakistan.

The case highlights ongoing tension between individual expression and the rights of vulnerable communities. It also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse.

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