Following Khalil ur Rehman Qamar’s abusive behaviour towards social activist and journalist Marvi Sirmed on live television, Geo Entertainment and 7th Sky Entertainment on Thursday announced that they had suspended their contract with the writer.
The television channel made the announcement on social media. The official statement by the channel said that the contract would remain suspended until Qamar apologises for his actions. It added that the company had entered into a non-exclusive agreement with the writer, similar to the ones he has with other TV channels. According to the contract, Qamar was to write four dramas and a movie for the channel.
“Geo believes in exchange of ideas and promoting the culture of Live and Let Live (Geo our Jeenay do) we believe that everyone has the right to express their opinions and the culture of healthy debate should be encouraged,” read the statement.
Following Geo’s announcement, Qamar responded by saying that he will not apologise for his comments and assured his followers that he will “not work with this institution for my life to come.”
Meanwhile, celebrities, politicians and other members of the civil society lauded Geo for taking this step.
Good action by Geo. No matter who the woman is, no one has the right to abuse and use filthy language against her especially on TV. It should never be acceptable & never be tolerated. https://t.co/QTrJizyXXG
While most people are freaking out about the coronavirus outbreak, Prince William appears to be unfazed with the matter as he joked about the matter with healthcare workers on his recent visit to Ireland.
According to CNN, the Duke of Cambridge joked about the virus on Tuesday while meeting emergency workers at a reception in Dublin hosted by Britain’s ambassador to Ireland.
Speaking to an advance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, William commented: “I bet everyone’s like ‘I’ve got coronavirus, I’m dying,’ and you’re like ‘no, you’ve just got a cough.’”
The Prince further questioned whether the media blew the matter out of proportion.
“It does seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment. Is it being a little hyped up, do you think, by the media?” he remarked.
William also joked in mock horror to the paramedic: “Does it seem quite dramatic about #Coronavirus at the moment? Is it being a little bit hyped up in the media? By the way, the Duke and Duchess are spreading Coronavirus!” (To be clear, it was a joke …)
In another video clip from the event the duke was heard saying: “By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, Sorry. We’re keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop.”
According to the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care, a total of 16,659 people have been tested for the coronavirus in the UK, of whom 85 have been confirmed as positive.
William’s remarks came after it emerged that he and the duchess are following guidance from Public Health England on the coronavirus threat and that meant “business as usual” for now. The royal couple shook hands with dozens of people on the first day of their tour.
Prince William’s comments irked many who commented that the virus was not a matter to joke about.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles also passed a light comment on the matter.
‘I’m self-isolating’ laughs the Duchess of Cornwall as she steps into a one person air raid shelter at the @ltmuseum 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/xwouBH64bK
With the Aurat March scheduled to take place this weekend, things are heating up with the controversy surrounding it keeps getting bigger. So far, a petition has been filed and dismissed in the Lahore High Court, an acclaimed writer verbally abused a social activist on live television and posters and murals of the march have been torn down in different cities.
Amidst all the debate, singer Quratulain Balouch, popularly known as, QB posted a controversial statement on Twitter. QB gained popularity after she sang the title track – Woh Humsafar Tha – for Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan’s super hit drama Humsafar.
The singer’s comment sparked outrage, following which women, including Senator Anny Marri and model Eman Suleman, took to social media to school her.
No. Just NO. And also, it’s not “her” rights she shouts for. It’s yours. And the “real feminist” will continue to shout for you and others like you – even though really, you don’t deserve it. https://t.co/hiRMXc4xzA
If real feminists had not shouted for OUR rights you would not be enjoying the privilege of using YOUR voice to sing. And today you would not have this platform and that blue tick. 🤦🏻♀️ https://t.co/WUtze6qNPo
Real feminists dont put down other women who vocalize their demands. Dont paint our struggle as hysterical by using words like "shouting". If you dont have the moral courage to stand with us, the least you can do is not stand in our way because of your internalized misogyny. https://t.co/lgbCCIwlLp
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) March 5, 2020
A real feminist not only shouts for her rights but everyone else’s too. Including yours. Be grateful to the women who came before you and fought for your right to speak. Stop making ignorant statements. Stop telling women to suffer quietly. https://t.co/tBNX7xDWYo
With the Aurat March scheduled to take place this weekend, things are heating up and the controversy surrounding it keeps growing. Till now, a petition has been filed and dismissed in the Lahore High Court, an acclaimed writer verbally abused a social activist on live television and posters and murals of the march have been torn down in different cities.
The slogans and posters of the Aurat March have created the most amount of controversy, in particular, ‘Mera Jism, Meri Marzi’. While some say the slogan is “vulgar” and is used by women marchers in “an attempt to westernise the Pakistani society”, the marchers themselves say it pertains to “the right of choice and safety of women and even minor girls who are subjected to sexual assault in this very society.”
It was also this slogan which Khalil ur Rehman Qamar was criticising when journalist Marvi Sirmed murmured it as he was speaking causing him to spew abuse towards her. Qamar’s actions sparked a whole new debate in which several members of the entertainment industry got involved.
Mahira Khan, who was one of the first actors to condemn Qamar for his words and actions, posted a note to social media in which she talked about why she marches.
“We are a country getting used to the idea of equal rights, Me Too, Times Up. All of us, as those in positions of power and privilege should speak a language that a common man would understand. We don’t march for ourselves. We march for those who can not march for themselves,” she wrote.
I’m sure those who have been organizing the Aurat March are experienced, have been working for years for the cause of women..they have a better idea of what should and should not be done. I write out of pure observation. #WhyIMarchpic.twitter.com/D3AUQYM3Re
Agree wholeheartedly. Using this platform to be a provocateur is going to be playing into the hands of those who call all protests "fahashi" and all demands "liberal agenda". I hope come March 8th, we see ppl on both sides understand each other better not the other way around. https://t.co/QvOWpygj1L
Meanwhile, some organisers of the Aurat March disagreed with Mahira’s comments and explained to her that provocative and instigating posters are there to demand attention.
It is our urban morality that finds certain language or slogans provocative. The discomfort is something those feeling it need to process & figure out for themselves, not those expressing the slogans. Each slogan reflects a lived reality. A social ill. Discrimination. Inequality.
Protests by virtue of their design and purpose are supposed to shock and make people take notice and think, which the posters and slogans from last years did. A protest where you placate is not only oxymoronic but also just plain moronic. https://t.co/KYg6sMtLmM
This sounds an awful lot like tone policing…. plus a bit condescending to be fairly honest. I’ll say this as many times as it needs to be said. We WERE holding placards that highlighted all the issues mentioned. 🤦🏻♀️ https://t.co/AdULZDrblE
Responding to the explanations, Mahira said that she stands corrected, adding that she still “believes that certain things said/written out of rage dissuade us from engaging in dialogue which brings about change.”
You’re right. Also, #merajismmerimarzi is not what I was talking about when I said ‘careful about the words we put out’. In any case, I stand corrected. https://t.co/mr3iq2LD85
Farieha, I still believe that certain things said/written out of rage dissuade us from engaging in dialogue which brings about change. This is my opinion. And I shall continue to engage with people like you.I feel sad and strange saying this – but thank you for not abusing me. https://t.co/sd6kEByExP
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, who is rather infamous for his misogynist views both on and off the screen, has stirred a storm once again after he launched into verbal vitriol against journalist and rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television.
The incident sparked widespread debate on social media and TV channels, following which journalist Mansoor Ali Khan invited Qamar to his show to discuss the matter and understand why Qamar did what he did.
Qamar was extremely unapologetic about abusing a woman on live television iterating that she started it. When the anchor probed him further, Qamar lashed out on him and the two exchanged heated words on the matter. However, the anchor managed to settle the matter before inviting his other two guests – Resham and Dr Aamir Liaquat – to the show.
Resham, who was initially part of Qamar’s directorial Kaaf Kangana but later opted out of the movie, said that Qamar is a big name in the country, remarking that he has been blessed with a lot of respect and love, an honour most writers usually don’t get.
Referencing to Qamar recent superhit drama Meray Paas Tum Ho, Resham continued, “Main kehti hoon keh yeh do takay ki aurat ka dialogue likhnay wala Khalil ur Rehman Qamar aaj khud aaj eik takay ka bhi nahi raha (I will say that the Khalil ur Rehman Qamar who wrote the infamous ‘do takay’ dialogue, is not worth a taka today).”
Resham further said that she, as a woman, was a big fan of the writer’s work and like other women, would make her family watch his dramas. She said that Qamar because of his actions has turned all those women against him. She reminded him that he has only been given respect and love by his fans, but people die to work with him. However, he lost all that respect with his actions.
The actor also appealed to PEMRA take notice of Qamar’s comments and take action against him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UwXJ7hzJY/
Meanwhile, Dr Aamir Liaquat said that Qamar needs medical treatment and should be kept in an isolation ward because he does not know how to interact with people. Dr Liaquat’s comments elicited a peal of laughter from Resham. Dr Liaquat further added that everyone’s opinion needs to be heard and that no one has the right to abuse others.
Qamar on Tuesday had appeared on a talk show to discuss the aftermath of a petition against the forthcoming Aurat March being trashed by the Lahore High Court (LHC). The petition calling the march “un-Islamic” with a ” hidden agenda to spread vulgarity” was wrapped up by the court that said it couldn’t be banned under the law of the land.
Qamar appeared to have a problem with the slogan, ‘Mera jism, meri marzi‘ and was commenting on it when Marvi murmured the same. This irked Qamar who started abusing her.
While some say the slogan ‘mera jism, meri marzi’ is “vulgar” and is used by women marchers in “an attempt to westernise the Pakistani society”, the marchers themselves say it pertains to “the right of choice and that to safety of women and even minor girls who are subjected to sexual assault in this very society”.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to Neo News following the fiasco that took place on the show Ayesha Ehtesham Kay Sath, where Marvi Sirmed and Khalil ur Rehman Qamar were guests.
The authority sent the notice for the language for the use of ‘vulgar’ language on the show. The notice was issued after famed writer Qamar and social activist Marvi Sirmed were involved in a verbal spat during the show.
Qamar’s use of abusive comments against Sirmed stirred a debate on social media with artists, journalists and politicians condemning the incident and calling for a boycott of Qamar.
Following the incident, Executive Director of the channel Nasrullah Malik and the host of the show Ayesha Ehtesham both have apologised but people are calling for stricter action to be taken.
@marvisirmed Please accept my sincere apology on the incident which happened today on our screen. Being Head of NEO NEWS I am extremely sorry for that and strict action will be taken. We condemn the behaviour of Khalil Qamar. Nasrullah Malik Executive Director NEO NEWS
Meanwhile, acclaimed actor Resham also appeared on a show in which she appealed to PEMRA to not only take action against the channel and the host but also against Khalil ur Rehman Qamar.
Khalil-Ur-Rehman Qamar curses himself for casting Mahira Khan as ‘Shano’ in his drama serial Sadqay Tumharay. The writer had previously said that he made a mistake while casting Adnan Malik as the male lead as well.
In 2020, Adnan Malik who played Khalil ur Rehman Qamar in Hum TV’s Sadqay Tumharay opened up about playing him in the drama.
I think this sums up my views in general regarding KUQ & me playing him in Sadqay Tumhare. 🤢 https://t.co/zEQckWOgLu
The superhit drama was penned by Qamar and directed by renowned director Mohammad Ehteshamuddin. The plot was based on Qamar’s real-life story. While Adnan played Khalil, Mahira Khan played Shanno, Khalil’s love-interest.
Set in the 1980s, Sadqay Tumhare follows the story of Shanno who is betrothed to her cousin Khalil the day she was born. While Shanno grows up in the village and is a simple girl, Khalil moves to the big city. He is treated as the ‘Prince of Punjab’ because of which he turns out to be an arrogant prick. The two know about their engagement since day one.
Initially, Khalil is hesitant about meeting Shanno and avoids her but he then sees her in his dream and decides to meet her. The two fall in love at first sight, but fate intervenes and Shanno’s parents break off the engagement as they want her to marry her paternal cousin Fayaz. A family friend of theirs advises them to elope but the two decide against it. However, later they decide to run away and get married. But just as they are about to get married Shanno’s mother pretends that she is committing suicide causing Shanno to abandon her plans. A family drama ensues, dark secrets are revealed and Shanno and Khalil end up not getting married to each other.
A Twitter user commented that by not marrying Khalil, Shanno dodged a bullet and the Cake actor agreed with her, in turn of recent events. Sadqay Tumharay was Malik’s debut project.
In a successive tweet Malik talked about the power of the ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi‘ slogan.
I’m in awe of the sheer power of 4 words strung together: #MeraJismMeriMarzi This slogan has destabilized centuries of patriarchy & triggered a man renown for his eloquence; unmasking a rabid, inarticulate, hate-spewing misogynist. Just 4 words. How frail our male egos can be.
Meanwhile the Raees diva also expressed her disbelief at Qamar’s comments. Seems like Qamar’s remarks are because of the female superstar’s difference of opinion on some of his antics.
I am shocked at what I have just heard and seen!! Sick to the core. This same man who abused a woman on tv is revered and given project after project because of what? We are as much to blame if not more for perpetuating this thinking! #khalilurrehmanqamar
Dear channels, get him on your shows.He works day and night for the betterment of our future. Let your children listen to men and women like him! Thank you 🙏🏼 https://t.co/8QfztZ5IwH
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, who is rather infamous for his misogynist views both on and off the screen, has stirred a storm once again by abusing journalist and rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television.
According to details, Qamar on Tuesday appeared on a talk show to discuss the aftermath of a petition against the forthcoming Aurat March being trashed by the Lahore High Court (LHC). The petition calling the march “un-Islamic” with a ” hidden agenda to spread vulgarity” was wrapped up by the court that said it couldn’t be banned under the law of the land.
Qamar appeared to have a problem with the slogan, ‘Mera jism, meri marzi‘ and was commenting on it when Marvi murmured the same. This irked Qamar who started abusing her.
While some say the slogan ‘mera jism, meri marzi’ is “vulgar” and is used by women marchers in “an attempt to westernise the Pakistani society”, the marchers themselves say it pertains to “the right of choice and that to safety of women and even minor girls who are subjected to sexual assault in this very society”.
Qamar’s comments did not go down well with celebrities, politicians, journalists and other members of the civil society, who called for a boycott on the writer.
I will not accept any show on @NeoTv_Network until this anchor apologises and this abusive man boycotted. If others ( men and women ) do the same when asked for shows this kind of disrespect to women may not get impunity. Women’s rights are human rights. Enough of this nonsense https://t.co/YAJlmawCXF
Don't understand the problem so many are having with #MeraJismMeriMarzi"-Mera jism meri marzi nahi toh kis ki marzi ho gi?? "My body is mine" is a critical component of the Life Skills Based Education classes we teach to help children protect themselves from abuse & harassment
Disgusted. He should be banned from all kinds of platforms. He’s not only a shame to our industry but to human race. Such abusive & disrespectful behaviour shall not be tolerated. Anyone who works with him is equally responsible for his behaviour. #khalilurrehmanqamar
It only reflected what millions of women undergo in their houses &other places of existence. It only affirmed how important is #AuratMarch2020 Say NO to abusive, aristocratic, manipulative male mindset. In solidarity with @marvisirmed MERA JISM MERI MARZI ✊🏼 #understandtheslogan
Anchor should’ve immediately intervened and stopped the man from uttering filth! She could have also taken a commercial break to stop the rubbish! Totally unacceptable! https://t.co/161mZpQGnT
— Shazia Atta Marri (@ShaziaAttaMarri) March 4, 2020
The man who is famous for the “do takkay ki aurat” line is quite the “do takkay ka mard”. What a disgraceful and disgusting way to handle disagreement. Surprised the anchor didn’t try to to control him better instead of asking @marvisirmed to keep quiet. Or ask him to apologise. https://t.co/lFkMBq6963
We've already moved on from PISA, from Zindagi Tamasha. No one has truly been held accountable in both cases. In fact, next year we'll probably see 90 percent of the industry at that award 'show.' I find it odd that we seem to be just waking up to Khalil-ur-Rehman's vitriol. /2
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) March 4, 2020
.. than those ruling the mainstream? Perhaps it's all about priority. Pledging not to work with a writer holds no value (save for moral righteousness) when there are many who'd be dying to work with him because he delivers bank at the Box Office/television. /4
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) March 4, 2020
Where do we truly stand on the 'separate the art from the artist' debate? As an industry, a so-called 'fraternity'. We have regulatory bodies that we should turn to: the United Producers Association & the PFPA, but both were silent during the Zindagi Tamasha debacle… /6
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) March 4, 2020
.. and both are likely to remain silent now. I think the biggest 'non' -surprise to come out of this all is how divided, or apathetic, or self-serving (pick your poison) we are as an industry. Which… isn't really news. So where do we go from here?
— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) March 4, 2020
What's scarier than #KhalilurRehman's temper, insecurities and mysogonistic attitude, is us who continue to encourage and engage him. Who cares if you're a good writer. You're a vile human being. Who speaks like that? What gives u the right to pass judgment like that? #Shameful
The man is not worth two seconds of your time, anyone’s time, but why is this anchor not taking him off air for gross and completely unacceptable disrespect!!! @NeoTv_Network this is NOT ok https://t.co/qIBI82yatE
Meanwhile, some people hoped that Geo, who had recently signed a contract with the writer for four plays and a movie, would reconsider their decision to work with him.
Geo’s policy against harassment has always been very clear and in my entire career in geo I have always been proud on these policies. I’m really hopeful that the company will take an immediate Action against this Man who clearly has lost it.
I am very sorry @marvisirmed. Please stop calling vile men like Khalil ur Rehman Qamar on your talkshows. Also, I really hope Geo would reconsider its decision to work with him.
James Louis Lipton passed away and Pakistan’s actor Mahira Khan penned a heartfelt note for the departed soul. Turns out that Mahira Khan is a diehard fan of the American writer, lyricist, and actor. The actress took to Twitter to share an emotional tribute.
Heart just sank!! Thank you James Lipton for a show I have watched and rewatched (still watch) for as long as I can remember. ‘What would you like God say to you when you enter the pearly gates of heaven?’ Rest In Peace♥️ https://t.co/p5oyjKOS50
James Louis Lipton was the executive producer, writer, and host of the Bravo cable television series ‘Inside the Actors Studio‘. He founded and hosted the show for 25 years interviewing many and celebrities of the years.
Ayyan Ali was arrested at Islamabad airport on March 14, 2015 for travelling with $500,000 and later, a currency smuggling case was filed against her for allegedly trying to smuggle money to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ayyan spent four months in Adiala Jail and her name was also put on the Exit Control List (ECL). However, she was granted bail in July 2016. She flew to Dubai after the court ordered the removal of her name from ECL.
Meanwhile, in November 2018, Ayyan had promised to return with a bang and had shared an update regarding her ongoing cases.
