Islamabad: Renowned fashion designer Maria B is facing an official inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over her controversial statements concerning the transgender community, made through her social media platforms.
According to sources, Maria B has been served a formal notice by the NCCIA and has been summoned to appear on August 26. The inquiry was initiated after a complaint was filed by Naeem Butt, also known as Seema Butt, a transgender rights activist, who accused Maria B of running a negative campaign against the transgender community online.
In preparation for the legal process, Maria B has retained Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq as her legal counsel. The barrister confirmed that consultations and legal review of the case are underway.
The video quickly went viral, prompting Punjab Police to conduct a raid and arrest several transgender individuals under allegations of promoting obscenity at the private event. However, a local court later dismissed the charges, citing lack of evidence.
The court ruling stated that no substantial proof had been presented to directly link the arrested individuals to any unlawful activity. As a result, the court rejected the request for a 10-day physical remand and acquitted the accused of all charges.
The incident has reignited national debates surrounding freedom of expression, human rights, and the societal treatment of the transgender community in Pakistan.
