Famous playwright, poet, and actor Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has suggested that he may depart the country after his reported abduction and torture.
During a TV interview, he discussed the traumatic experience, mentioning that it has caused him to reconsider residing in his own country.
Qamar, recognized for his daring narrative style, described the horrifying specifics of his kidnapping. He said that he was held captive by his abductors for seven hours, during which they subjected him to torture and even made an attempt on his life. Qamar shared that they repeated the Kalima to him multiple times and fired at him, but luckily, the bullets didn’t hit him by the grace of God. He thinks the shooter purposefully missed him when aiming, saving his life.
The playwright showed great concern about the nation’s present condition, pointing to rising inflation and widespread desperation as reasons for the suffering of many. He mentioned the tough decisions individuals have to make in extreme situations, noting that some have turned to selling their own skin, or someone else’s, in order to stay alive.
Qamar thought about the sad truth experienced by numerous individuals, particularly young women, who are compelled by circumstances to make such difficult choices. He expressed sadness at the fact that many girls are being sold due to desperation and he hopes to prevent it.
Despite facing severe trauma, Qamar likened his experiences to the challenges encountered by well-known literary personalities like Saadat Hasan Manto and Bulleh Shah. He expressed that there will never be another Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar in this country, showing his profound despair and disappointment.
While he suggested the idea of departing from Pakistan, Qamar stressed that the idea of leaving his country is extremely painful for him. “I’ve never despised this country,” he stated, mentioning that he is asking for the courage to remain, as he cannot fathom being separated from the land he adores.
The event that caused these thoughts happened in July, when Qamar was reportedly kidnapped in what was referred to as a “honey trap.” After the kidnapping, he was said to have been tortured, and explicit videos of him were exposed on the internet. The suspects, including the woman involved in the abduction, have been arrested by the police and are now in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
Although Qamar has not directly said he is planning to depart the nation, his statements indicate the intense emotional struggle he is going through due to the traumatic event. His narrative brings attention to the wider obstacles and inequities still impacting numerous individuals in Pakistan.
