Police Officers Suspended For Leaking Dance Party Video

On Sunday, two police officers were suspended by the District Police Officer (DPO) for their involvement in a recent case regarding the release of a video featuring the suspects arrested at a farmhouse near Pakki Haveli village during an alleged dance party. This decision was shared through a press release issued by the police.

The incident happened on Friday night after the police received a tip-off about an alleged dance party near Pakki Havethe li village. Acting on this information, the police raided the farmhouse and arrested 55 people, including women.

Sub Inspector (SI) Muhammad Sadiq filed a complaint, based on which a case was registered against the suspects under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979, Section 6(a) of the Punjab Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Act 2014, Section 6 of the Punjab Sound System Regulation Act 2015 and Sections 292 and 293 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

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The next day, on Saturday, the suspects were presented before a magistrate for physical remand. The local court, however, ordered the release of all 55 individuals and discharged the case.

Following this, the police clarified in a press release that they did not make or release any video in an official capacity. The press release stated, “The police always hold self-respect of citizens as their top priority as per the SOPs.”

Strong Criticism 

The suspension of the police officials came after strong criticism from social media users, who accused the police of invading the privacy of the arrested individuals. One user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “This is absolutely ridiculous to make video of these girls and boys. This needs to stop. Koi aqal karo (Come to your senses).”

Another user said, “Releasing videos of these individuals before their crime is proven is against the Constitution and the law.” A third user commented, “The boys and girls—whose videos went viral now carry a negative identity for the rest of their lives. Who is responsible for that? Bring them to light—make them answerable.”

A fourth user pointed out, “It is strange that when Punjab police arrest drug dealers and murderers, they cover their faces when posting online, but incidents like this are recorded and posted online showing faces; what is the need for that?”