Amna Aruj, accused in the kidnapping case of well-known Pakistani drama writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar, has been remanded to police custody for an additional four days.
This development came after the suspect’s initial three-day physical remand ended and she was presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore.
The hearing, conducted by Judicial Magistrate Nabeela Amir, sought clarifications from Aruj regarding the allegations against her. Aruj, who works as a model, stated that she had only invited Qamar and denied any involvement in kidnapping.
Further inquiries by the court revealed that Aruj admitted to withdrawing Rs287,000 from Qamar's ATM, which she claimed was handled by Hassan Shah, who allegedly kept the money.
Following these admissions and considering the ongoing investigations, Magistrate Amir decided to extend Aruj's custody to assist in further unraveling the details of the case.
Renowned scriptwriter had earlier claimed that he was abducted and robbed in Lahore.
Khalil alleged that Amna lured him to her house under the pretext of discussing a potential drama project. Once he arrived, armed men kidnapped him and was released after paying a substantial ransom.
According to the FIR, the suspects robbed Qamar of his mobile phone, watch, cash, and transferred Rs250,000 from his ATM card. The playwright added that the kidnappers blindfolded him and left him in a deserted area before fleeing.
Who is Khalilur Rehman Qamar?
Qamar is a highly acclaimed Pakistani scriptwriter, director, and producer known for his significant contributions to the country's television and film industry.
Renowned for his compelling storytelling and strong dialogues, Qamar has penned numerous hit dramas, including "Mere Paas Tum Ho," "Pyaray Afzal," and "Sadqay Tumhare."
Qamar has directed and produced several successful projects, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in Pakistani entertainment.
Qamar is no stranger to controversy, often finding himself at the centre of public debates due to his outspoken views and provocative statements.
One of the most notable controversies involved his clash with feminist activists and other media personalities over his views on gender roles and feminism.
His comments during television interviews and on social media have sparked widespread criticism and backlash, with many accusing him of promoting misogyny.
Despite the controversies, Qamar has remained unapologetic and steadfast in his beliefs, continuing to voice his opinions openly, which has both polarized and attracted a significant segment of the Pakistani audience.
