Acclaimed yet controversial drama writer Khalil-ur Rehman Qamar has sparked fresh outrage after his latest work, “Main Manto Nahi Hoon”, portrayed a romantic relationship between a teacher and his student.
The storyline, critics say, is “deeply disturbing and culturally tone-deaf,” and emerged in an episode where the student’s classmates demand the teacher marry her — triggering heavy backlash across social media.
In response, Qamar defended his work, stating that he depicted “love” and not an affair, emphasising that both characters are unmarried. He questioned why such a portrayal is being criticised when similar relationships, he claimed, exist in real life.
He further criticized feminists, accusing them of selective outrage, and argued that society overlooks relationships where women are involved with married men yet focuses on fictional teacher-student dynamics.
Actor Sanam Saeed, part of the drama’s cast, admitted she was “very concerned” about the student-teacher storyline, acknowledging it raises ethical questions even though it is a fictional narrative.
The controversy adds to the list of disputes surrounding Qamar, who has previously faced accusations of misogynistic views and problematic writing.
As the debate continues, many viewers and social-media users are raising questions about the responsibility of writers and producers in shaping societal norms particularly in a sensitive cultural context. Critics argue that such portrayals may reinforce harmful power dynamics and discourage female students from pursuing education.
