Tensions Resurface in Pakistan’s Entertainment Industry
Prominent Pakistani playwright and screenwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has triggered fresh controversy after making candid remarks about fellow actor Nauman Ijaz and renowned actress Mahira Khan. His comments, delivered during a recent interview, have revived conversations about personal conflicts and divisions within the country’s entertainment world.
Qamar, known for his hit drama Meray Paas Tum Ho and his often polarising public persona, said that disagreements inside the industry are not unusual. However, he stressed that certain relationships reach a point where they cannot return to normal.
I Hate Nauman Ijaz, and Always Will
Speaking with characteristic bluntness, Qamar admitted to harbouring strong negative feelings towards veteran actor Nauman Ijaz. He clarified that the issue was not rooted in a specific altercation but in a deep and lasting dislike.
I have no personal feud with Nauman Ijaz, he said. But I hate him, and that hatred will always remain.
He went on to explain that this was not a matter of simple irritation or disagreement. Instead, he described it as a firm and intense aversion that he has no intention of hiding.
According to Qamar, some personalities naturally repel you, and Nauman Ijaz, for him, falls into that category. The writer did not provide specific examples, yet his tone suggested that the distance between them is longstanding.
Nauman Ijaz, one of Pakistan’s most acclaimed actors, has not yet responded to Qamar’s latest remarks. In the past, however, he has often brushed aside similar comments from industry colleagues, stating that disagreements are part of the business.
Praise for Mahira Khan — But Lingering Hurt
During the interview, Qamar also addressed his relationship with actress Mahira Khan. He spoke highly of her talent and professionalism. He emphasized that they once shared a bond marked by mutual respect and friendship.
Yet he admitted that he was deeply hurt by remarks Mahira made several years ago. Mahira is a gifted and wonderful artist, he said. But the words she used for me—I still haven’t been able to forgive them, though I hope that one day I might.
The disagreement dates back to their public fallout in early 2020. At that time, Mahira Khan criticized Qamar’s behaviour during a heated televised debate with activist Marvi Sarmad. The exchange went viral and became one of the most discussed moments in Pakistani media that year. Mahira had publicly condemned Qamar’s language, which she described as disrespectful.
Qamar noted that despite his appreciation for Mahira’s artistic achievements, the emotional divide between them remains unresolved. He insisted that the rift is personal rather than professional.
Social Media Divided Once Again
Following the release of the interview, social media platforms lit up with mixed reactions. Many users criticized Qamar for using harsh language, especially towards figures who are widely respected in the entertainment industry. Some argued that public figures have a responsibility to maintain civility, even when expressing disagreement.
On the other hand, a segment of fans praised his straightforwardness, saying that he speaks without filters in an industry often marked by diplomacy and careful public gestures.
Pakistan’s entertainment sector has long been known for its overlapping professional and personal relationships. Thus, disputes between major personalities frequently draw public attention and fuel online debate.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Qamar’s comments have sparked discussion. Over the years, he has been at the center of several public confrontations, often involving actors, journalists, and activists. Yet his dramas continue to enjoy high viewership, and he remains one of the country’s most commercially successful screenwriters.
For now, his latest statements have once again placed him—and his industry relationships—under the spotlight. Whether these tensions will ease or escalate remains to be seen.
