Khalilur Rehman Qamar's daughter defends father, addresses 'honey trap' case

Hijab Khalil, daughter of renowned screenwriter and director Khalilur Rehman Qamar, appeared in a recent interview where she spoke about her relationship with her father and addressed the circumstances surrounding his alleged "honey trap" case. She said that by the time the incident became a major topic on social media, much of the situation had already been resolved.

She expressed frustration over what she described as insensitive online reactions and harassment directed at her family during that period. “I remember there was this one girl being super insensitive about the situation on your podcast,” Khalil told the host, who assumed she was referring to Ghazal Shapatar.

“Yes, her views and points, we can disagree with. But how can someone hate someone that much?” she said, adding, “People were praying my father dies and asking why he survived.”

Hijab also claimed that the kidnapping incident became another reason for online harassment directed at her. “‘Her dad got kidnapped and she is posting TikToks,’” she recalled, describing the type of comments she received while noting that social media is part of her work.

“People just want to say something, but don’t come after my family. If you disagree with my father, you should have the guts to say something to him. But people do not because they are afraid that he will talk back,” she added.

Hijab said the experience had a lasting emotional impact on her father and that she noticed changes in his behaviour after the incident. Despite his public reputation for controversy, she described him at home as humorous, approachable and more like a companion than a strict parent. “My dad is more like a friend than my father,” she said.

One of the most controversial segments of the interview centred on her views regarding the Aurat March and gender transition. Khalil said she supports her father's stance on the Aurat March and does not identify as a liberal.

“I support the Aurat March statements my father has given. I’m not liberal. There are remote areas where women don’t have education and do not even know what feminism or Aurat March is. The people who already have everything, why are they doing this? I don’t support it. I’m not a big fan,” she said, adding, “It’s propaganda.”

Addressing criticism she receives over her clothing choices, Hijab said the scrutiny is often linked to her father's controversial public image. “I think it’s because I am the only girl in the family on social media,” she said. She added, “I do dress like Gen Z, but I do not dress vulgar,” while questioning why people feel compelled to compare her appearance with her father's public views.

Speaking about her father's legacy, she acknowledged that his outspoken opinions often generate strong reactions, particularly among younger audiences, but maintained that she does not consider him extreme. “Some Gen Z hate my dad, but he is not that bad. If he was that misogynistic or against women, I would not be here,” she said.

Hijab, who recently completed her bachelor's degree in film and directing, also discussed the pressure of being the daughter of a successful filmmaker.

“Because my dad is successful, I’d say there is more pressure to be. I haven’t gotten any opportunities through my dad. I actually didn’t want to work with my father from the start,” she said. “I think if you want to move ahead in your field, use your own talent and not someone else’s success.”

She concluded by arguing that public perceptions of her father are largely shaped by his controversial public statements, while many of his critics avoid confronting him directly because they fear his response.