Lahore ATC charges 12 in honey trap, kidnapping case involving Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar

The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court has formally charged 12 individuals, including primary suspects Amina Arooj and Hassan Shah, in the honey trap and kidnapping-for-ransom case involving Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar.

According to Express News, the accused were presented in court on Thursday after being brought from jail for the proceedings. Judge Arshad Javed oversaw the session, where Arooj and Shah, along with 10 other individuals, were charged with the crimes.

Despite the charges, Arooj and Shah denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The court has called for the prosecution's witnesses to testify, and the next hearing has been scheduled for December 20.

On July 15, Qamar was allegedly abducted and robbed in Lahore. He reported the incident to the police on July 21, claiming he was released after a ransom payment.

He had been invited to Arooj’s home to discuss a drama project but was reportedly abducted by armed men. Her lawyer claims Qamar’s manager initially contacted her under the guise of professional interest, suggesting he could help her advance in exchange for personal favours.

Arooj had alleged Qamar later pressured her for a physical relationship, threatening to leak photos. The alleged mastermind, Shah, reportedly kidnapped both Arooj and Qamar but she later accused police of torture, alleging they coerced her into labeling the incident a honey trap.