Shafaat Yar Khan
In a gripping courtroom finale that read like one of his own screenplays, the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced three individuals—Amna Urooj, Mamnoon Haider, and Zeeshan—to seven years in prison for their roles in a calculated honey-trap scheme and the attempted kidnapping of renowned playwright Khalilur Rehman Qamar. Judge Arshad Javed delivered the verdict on Monday, closing a chilling chapter in a case that sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s entertainment industry and highlighted the lurking dangers behind the glitz and glamour.
The court’s decision was based on months of testimony, investigation, and forensic evidence linking the trio to a plot involving deception, abduction, and threats. Other suspects named in the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The judge noted that the convicted had not only endangered a high-profile individual but also used manipulation and betrayal in ways that threatened public confidence and personal security across sectors.
The case began in mid-2023 when Qamar—celebrated for his bold scripts, unflinching dialogues, and polarising takes on gender dynamics—was lured into what seemed to be a professional meeting with an aspiring actress. The woman, later identified as Amna Urooj, claimed she wanted to work with him on a television serial. Qamar, known for giving newcomers a chance, agreed to meet her at a specified location in Lahore. What followed was straight out of a crime thriller.
According to the FIR and Qamar’s own statement, he was coerced, forcibly taken into a vehicle, and threatened by a group of men who demanded money and attempted to record compromising videos. The entire operation, as the investigation revealed, had been meticulously planned. Surveillance footage, mobile phone records, and eyewitness testimony helped trace the web back to Urooj, Haider, and Zeeshan—now convicted.
Amna Urooj’s background added another twist to the case. A relatively unknown figure in the entertainment world, she was trying to break into acting through social media and casting networks. Her connection with Qamar was allegedly facilitated through informal channels that young artists often use to approach senior writers and directors. But her intentions, as the court concluded, were anything but innocent.
Qamar’s prominence in Pakistan’s creative scene made him a particularly high-value target. Best known for scripting blockbuster dramas like Mere Paas Tum Ho and Pyaray Afzal, he is regarded as one of the most influential and controversial voices in modern Pakistani storytelling. His works often delve deep into themes of love, betrayal, masculinity, and societal hypocrisy, sparking both acclaim and criticism. He is no stranger to public scrutiny, often embroiled in heated TV debates and social media spats, particularly concerning gender issues and feminism.
However, no amount of controversy had prepared him—or his fans—for such a personal and physical threat. In his statement to the court, Qamar expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, saying that “this was not just an attack on a person, but on the creative spirit of our country.”
The sentencing has revived discussions about honey-trap incidents and violence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, which, though not widely reported, have existed as dark undercurrents for years. In 2016, a popular model was allegedly blackmailed by a photographer she had worked with after he gained access to her private photos. In another high-profile case, a young actor accused a female manager of coercion and extortion, leading to a media frenzy that eventually faded without legal closure.
Insiders in the industry point out that the lack of a formal support structure for new talent—combined with unchecked power dynamics and desperate attempts for fame—has created a dangerous environment where manipulation and criminal schemes can thrive. Many junior actors, male and female, are often lured into dubious meetings in the name of casting or networking, while senior artists face threats of blackmail or violence if they resist these setups.
The entertainment industry in Pakistan, much like in other countries, has its fair share of predators, scammers, and people willing to exploit the ambitions of others. What makes this case stand out is the celebrity status of the victim and the sheer audacity of the perpetrators. That the criminals were brought to justice offers some reassurance, but also a stark warning.
Industry associations and legal observers have called for a more robust mechanism for background checks, security training for high-profile figures, and safe platforms for talent engagement. Speaking after the verdict, Qamar urged the media and arts institutions to create safer spaces, especially for those who are either vulnerable or being targeted for extortion. “This is not about me alone,” he said, “it’s about everyone who tries to create something with sincerity. We need to protect them.”
The convicted trio now faces seven years behind bars, but the ripples of their crime will continue to be felt. For Qamar, it’s a narrow escape that could’ve ended much worse. For the industry, it’s a moment of reckoning.
This verdict, while bringing some closure, opens the door for deeper conversations around safety, integrity, and the vulnerabilities of celebrity life in Pakistan. It’s a reminder that behind the camera and beyond the script, real lives and reputations hang in the balance—sometimes at the mercy of those who see fame not as inspiration but as opportunity for exploitation.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
