LAHORE — Renowned playwright and screenwriter Khalilur Rehman Qamar has sought the intervention of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Cell after falling victim to a disturbing extortion scheme. Qamar’s complaint alleges that a “honey-trap” gang leaked explicit videos of him on social media to blackmail him.
Earlier this month, Qamar was lured to a private residence under the guise of discussing a new drama project. Upon arriving, he was ambushed by armed men who assaulted him. After a harrowing ordeal, he was reportedly released only after paying a hefty ransom to the gang.
In his complaint, Qamar claims that the gang not only extorted a large sum of money from him but also filmed and subsequently leaked inappropriate videos after he refused to pay further extortion demands. The playwright stated that the supposed meeting to discuss a soap opera never materialized, and instead, he was subjected to a violent and distressing experience.
The leaked videos, which have since gone viral, have severely tarnished Qamar’s reputation. They depict him in compromising situations, alongside footage of the perpetrators preparing for the encounter.
The FIA Cyber Crime Cell has confirmed receipt of Qamar’s complaint and has initiated an investigation into the matter. Additionally, Qamar has filed a case at Sundar Police Station in Lahore, detailing the alleged kidnapping incident.
The case has led to the arrest of several suspects, including Amna Urooj and 11 others, who are currently in custody as the investigation continues. The alleged mastermind of the scheme, Hassan Shah, was also apprehended on Tuesday.
The videos include not only the explicit footage of Qamar but also scenes showing the suspects setting up their trap and testing their camera equipment to capture the encounter from the best angles. The footage reportedly shows Urooj and Shah lounging on the same couch where Qamar was eventually ambushed.
Minutes after settling down, Qamar was attacked by armed men who stripped him of his valuables and cash during a forced drive. Following the assault and theft, the gang allegedly abandoned him in an isolated area before fleeing.
As the investigation unfolds, the FIA and local authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice and provide Qamar with the necessary support.