Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar challenges trial court verdict in honey trap case

Renowned Pakistani playwright Khalilur-Rehman Qamar approached the Lahore High Court on Tuesday to overturn a trial court’s decision in the case pertaining to his abduction. Qamar filed an appeal against the acquittal of the accused, including Aamna Urooj.

According to legal sources, the appeal was filed through Advocate Mudassir Chaudhry, requesting the high court to set aside the trial court’s verdict and ensure punishment for the accused in accordance with the law.

The petition asserted that the accused had confessed to the crimes before the police during interrogation, but the trial court failed to properly assess the facts and evidence presented.

He argued that the lower court’s judgment was flawed and did not reflect the severity of the offences.

Read: Three convicted in playwright's 'honey trap' case

The case stems from a high-profile incident on 15 July 2024, when Qamar was allegedly abducted and robbed after being lured to Amina Arooj’s residence on the pretext of discussing a drama project. He was released after a ransom payment, and reported the crime on 21 July.

The case involves serious allegations of kidnapping and blackmail, with Qamar maintaining that he was a victim of a targeted honey trap orchestrated by the accused.

His legal team claims he was forcibly held by armed men.

However, Amina Arooj’s lawyer disputes the narrative, stating Qamar's manager initiated contact under professional pretences which later turned personal, alleging inappropriate demands by Qamar.

Earlier, the Anti-Terrorism Court indicted Amina Arooj and 11 co-accused, including Hasan Shah and Tanveer Ahmed. The challan submitted by the prosecution declared all 12 individuals guilty, based on the investigation.

The case is being heard by Judge Arshad Javed, with the next hearing set for 20 December, when prosecution witnesses are expected to testify.