A singer has been arrested in Lahore after performing a politically sensitive song during a government sponsored cultural event at Shalimar Gardens, according to police officials.
The incident took place on Sunday night during a cultural programme organized by the Walled City of Lahore Authority. The event was meant to celebrate local culture and heritage and was officially declared non political. However, police said the situation changed when Qawwal Faraz Khan performed the song “Qaidi No 804,” which is widely linked to the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, Imran Khan.
According to the police, the performance led to concern among organizers and security officials, who viewed the song as a political statement rather than a cultural one. Authorities claimed the act could have provoked the audience and disrupted public order at a state sponsored event.
An FIR was registered at Shalimar Gardens police station on the complaint of the site in charge, Zameerul Hasan. In the FIR, it was stated that the singer allegedly tried to politicize the event by performing a song associated with a specific political party, despite clear instructions to avoid political content.
Police said the performance violated the terms under which permission for the event was granted. They added that such actions at official events could create tension and were not allowed.
The arrest has sparked debate on social media, with some calling it an excessive response while others support the action, saying government sponsored events should remain neutral.
Authorities said further investigation is under way and legal proceedings will continue according to the law.
