Geo TV suspends Khalilur Rehman Qamar contract

Khalilur Rehman says he will never work with Geo TV

 

Geo Entertainment announced on Thursday that they had suspended their contract with writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar after swearing against rights activist Marvi Sirmed two days ago on live TV, saying the deal would remain on hold until what Qamar apologizes for.

Qamar, who also works with other TV channels, is also involved in a film project that stars renowned actors Mehwish Hayat and Humayun Saeed and is being shot these days.

"Geo believes in exchanging 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 a healthy debate must be encouraged, "said a statement from the channel read.

The press release also indicates that these debates should be held in standards of decency and with respect. "He [Qamar] not only used abusive language against a woman, but also refused to accept his error and apologize for it," the statement said.

“GEO has always sought to create an environment conducive to reflection and debate, even if that includes criticism of the organization itself. GEO Aur Jeenay Do.”

Following Geo's announcement, Qamar responded by saying he would not apologize for his comments and assured his supporters that "he would not work with this institution for my life to come."

On Wednesday, the subject of discussion on the news channel was none other than Aurat March and Qamar expressed disdain for the type of slogans raised at the annual event.

In response to a question from the host, Qamar began by saying, "When the court denied the use of slogans like 'Mera jism, meri marzi' (My body, my choice), it really hurts me when personalities like Marvi Sirmed use these slogans."

As soon as he said that, Sirmed interrupted his response by repeating the same slogan over and over. This left Qamar baffled and he started to yell at him in a demeaning manner.

"Tere jism men hai kya? (What's in your body) Don't talk in between. Thookta nahi hai koi tere jism pe (No one would even spit on your body). Shut up b ****. Beech men nahi bolo (don't talk in between),” he said.

The host, a woman herself, rang asking Sirmed to remain silent, without calling Qamar for his vulgar use of language.

The incident, of course, sparked a heated debate on social media, with a number of people supporting the blatant disrespect for Qamar, while several women gather to banish him from television.