Once again, Khalil-ur-Rehman is making headlines for everything and anything but his writing.
The self proclaimed ‘biggest feminist in Pakistan’ made an appearance on a talk show on news channel Neo news. The panel of guests also included activist Marvi Sirmed and a JUI-F representative to discuss the pros and cons of the Aurat March.
What was supposed to be a civilised discussion amongst intellectuals, turned into a hot mess when Khalil-ur-Rehman completely lost his composure over Marvi Sirmed saying ‘Mera jism, meri marzi’. Watch:
This is the man who calls himself the flag bearer of women’s rights. The same man who villainies or victimises every female character in his drama serials, and the same man who just referred to another woman with a slew of profanities on live television.
‘ Tera jism hai kya bibi? Thookta nai hai koi apke jism par! ‘
‘Behaya aurat keh jism par koi thookta bhi nai hai!’
‘Ghatiya aurat’
‘You bloody shut up, bitch! Ulu ki pathi!’
All because Marvia Sirmed used the slogan ‘Mera jism, meri marzi’, which in Khalil-ur-Rehman’s book is an incredibly vulgar term, because he is misinformed and does not want to understand what the term even means.
The fact that the host, Ayesha Ehtesham, said nothing to pacify Khalil-ur-Rehman but was constantly asking Marvi Sirmed to settle down is a whole other problem.
Celebrities have started calling the notorious writer out on his absurd behaviour, including Mahira Khan and can we just say, it’s about damn time:
Is what went down on the talk show enough for other celebrities who constantly work with Khalil-ur-Rehman, like Humayun Saeed and Ayeza Khan, to finally take a stand?
While we don’t condone ‘cancel culture’, it’s at times like these when people in power need to unite and put toxic misogynists in their place.
Only time will tell if other influential celebrities will call out Khalil-ur-Rehman for his unacceptable behaviour.