Over 50 participants arrested during late-night operation in Lahore’s Gulberg area; case registered, investigation underway.
LAHORE: Police in Lahore arrested over 50 participants in a late-night raid at a Halloween party held at a hotel in the city’s upscale Gulberg area, officials confirmed on Monday.
The event was reportedly organized by social activist Suzanne Khan and attended by young men and women from several parts of the city, including Valencia Town, Defence, Gulberg, Johar Town, and Sabzazar.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Sheesha Recovered
According to police, officers conducted the raid after receiving a tip-off about illegal activities at the private event. During the search, alcohol, narcotics, and sheesha were recovered from the venue.
A police spokesperson said,
“The raid was conducted after reports of a party involving the use of prohibited substances and violation of local laws. All seized materials have been taken into custody as evidence.”
Officials confirmed that a case has been registered against the event’s organizer and other suspects under relevant legal provisions. Samples of the confiscated items have been sent for forensic testing.
Attendees Detained for Questioning
Law enforcement officials stated that 31 men and 20 women were detained during the operation. All attendees were transported to a local police station for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police teams said further action would be taken based on the outcome of toxicology and substance tests, as well as CCTV footage recovered from the hotel premises.
Suzanne Khan Among Those Arrested
Sources confirmed that Suzanne Khan, a known social activist and event organizer, was among those detained at the scene. Authorities have yet to comment on her specific role in arranging the event or any potential charges.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as police entered the venue late Saturday night, halting the ongoing festivities. The Halloween-themed gathering reportedly featured loud music, dancing, and themed decorations when officers arrived.
Police Crackdown on Private Parties
The raid comes amid an ongoing crackdown by Punjab Police on gatherings suspected of violating local regulations and narcotics laws. Over the past several months, authorities have intensified monitoring of private events in major cities, citing public complaints and violations of social conduct codes.
Police officials emphasized that strict action will continue against any activities involving drugs, alcohol, or illegal entertainment.
Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with divided opinions. While some users criticized police actions as heavy-handed, others supported the move, calling for stricter enforcement of moral and legal codes. Investigations remain ongoing, and police have stated that no one will be released until legal verification is complete.