The Pakistan Police has levelled an FIR against Pakistani actor Sama Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed for shooting a music video inside the historic 17th century Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore.
The FIR was reportedly filed at the Akbari police station of Lahore on the basis of a complaint filed by advocate Farhat Manzoor.
In the complaint, Manzoor said that the act of filming a music video inside a mosque has hurt the religious sentiments. An appeal has also been made for strong action against the mosque administration.
In the wake of the controversy, both Saeed and Qamar have rendered an apology on social media. Notably, The music video Qabool was released on August 11 without the scene which had led to the controversy.
In a video message, Saeed said, “We realise what has happened over the past few days has hurt your sentiments deeply.”
“We as Muslims, as decent human beings and as artists will never, ever trivialise or condone disrespect to Islam or any other religion, race, caste, colour or creed. If we have unknowingly hurt anyone’s sentiments we apologise to you all with all our heart.”
Saeed further mentioned: “Saba Qamar and I had recently filmed a nikah sequence at Wazir Khan Mosque which created a big misunderstanding and hurt the emotions of a lot of people. Many thought we were doing a dance sequence, which wasn’t true.”
Meanwhile, the manager of the historic mosque in Lahore has been suspended over the incident.
“The mosque is the holiest place and no one can be allowed to trample upon its sanctity. Whosoever is found responsible will not be spared,” Dawn news had cited an official statement from Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s office as saying on August 9.
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