Pakistan: Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Actor Saba Qamar

Arrest warrant against Saba Qamar: A magisterial court in Lahore, Pakistan has issued an arrest warrant in the name of actor Saba Qamar. The warrant was issued in relation with a case involving shooting of a dance number at a mosque in the city, which has historical relevance. Qamar was seen in Bollywood film Hindi Medium opposite late actor Irrfan.

The Lahore magisterial court issued bailable warrants against Qamar and singer Bilal Saeed after the duo avoided hearings of the case constantly. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 6. While Qamar and Saeed had apologised on social media following an immense backlash for the video, there seems to be no escape for the two from legal repercussions.

What was the case?

An FIR was registered last year by the Lahore police against Qamar and Saeed for alleged "desecration" of Masjid Wazir Khan in old part of the city, by shooting dance video at the premise. Both the celebrities were booked under section 295 of Pakistan Penal Code (pertaining to blasphemy).

The case had generated much outrage in the country, with both the artists facing immense backlash and threats on social media. Responding to the criticism, Qamar had defended herself saying that the music video featured a scene of Nikah ( marriage). "It was neither shot with any sort of playback music nor has it been edited to the music track," she reasoned.

Who is Saba Qamar?

The Indian audience may know Qamar for her sole Hindi film stint, however, she is a popular actor in Pakistan. Qamar has worked in as many as 20 television serials, making her small screen debut with the soap Main Aurat Hoon in 2005. She went on to work in several notable television productions such as Dhoop Mein Andhera Hai, Na Kaho Tum Mere Nahin, Kaash Aisa Ho, Jinnah Ke Naam, Yahan Pyar Nahin Hai, Shehryar Shehzadi, Dastaan and Pani Jaisa Pyar.

In 2015, Qamar made her debut on silver screen with the film Manto. She has worked in films like Lahore Se Aagey and 8969. In 2017, Qamar starred in a serial based on the life and death of Pakistani celebrity and model Qandeel Baloch, a role that earned her much critical acclaim.

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