‘It’s not against Islam’: Pakistani trans actor tells of deep sadness over film ban

Exclusive: Alina Khan, star of award-winning Joyland, speaks out as the movie's licence for domestic release is revoked, putting its Oscar contention in doubt

A transgender star of an award-winning Pakistan film that depicts a love affair between a man and a trans women has said she is very sad at the government's decision to ban the film and hopes it will be reversed.

Alina Khan, who stars in Joyland, the first major Pakistani film to feature a trans actor in a lead role, said: I've been very sad. There's nothing against Islam [in the film] and I don't understand how Islam can get endangered by mere films."