Pakistani screenwriter Nasir Adeeb has officially apologized to actor Reema Khan after facing backlash over controversial claims he made regarding his alleged association with Lahore’s red-light district Heeramandi.

Nasir Adeeb previously claimed that he and director Yunus Malik had scouted talent in the red light district for a small film project. He claimed they met a young girl during their visit, whom he rejected, but later became a superstar.

Nasir Adeeb identified the girl as Reema Khan, but said he rejected her because she seemed “plastic” and lacked emotive eyes, a characteristic he considered crucial for an actor.

These remarks sparked strong reactions from the entertainment community, with many celebrities condemning Nasir Adeeb’s comments.

Following public outcry, Nasir appeared on the podcast again to apologize. He explained that he had broadcast the information without confirming the facts and admitted having made a mistake.

“For the love of God, forgive me, and may Reema forgive me. Allah has also ordained that one should not believe in hearsay,” Adeeb during a recent podcast appearance.

Addressing the controversy over his statements about Reema’s background, he mentioned that he had sought help from a friend to Google Reema, even though he already knew she came from a Pashtun family and She had grown up in poverty.

Adeeb revealed that Reema’s real name is Samina and she has four siblings.

He added that due to financial difficulties, Reema’s family could not pay her school fees, which led to her dismissal from school.

“I apologize to Reema for spreading this information without checking the facts,” Nasir said.

Reema Khan herself had taken to Instagram to indirectly address the controversy. In a philosophical article, she referenced a verse by the poet Jaun Elia, speaking about the flaws of human nature and how people often abuse the power of respect and dishonor. Reema Khan also prayed for guidance for those who seek to harm others.

In a post by Jumma Mubarak on her social media page yesterday, Reema wrote: “A man can only be the best creation of Allah if others are safe from his wickedness. »

Celebrities rally behind Reema Khan amid controversy

The controversy also sparked strong reactions from other celebrities. Actor Fahad Mustafa condemned Adeeb’s statement on his Instagram, denouncing the harmful impact of such podcasts.

Fahad Mustafa stressed the importance of respecting others, especially seniors in the sector. “These podcasts tarnish the respect of people and anyone who says what they want. Serious action must be taken,” he wrote.

Photo: Screenshot

TV host Rabia Anum Obaid also criticized the rise of “problem podcasts,” where random individuals are given a platform to make unverified and disrespectful claims about celebrities. “Reema Khan is an extraordinary person whose transformation is truly unprecedented,” said Rabia Anum. “She is a wise, intelligent and gracious soul, who lives a life of respect and dignity.”

Veteran actor Bushra Ansari added his voice to the backlash in a video on Instagram. Bushra Ansari expressed her frustration with individuals like Adeeb, who she said are digging into the past for attention. She questioned how such people could disregard the respect of others, saying they should be reprimanded for their actions.

Bushra Ansari also pointed out that people who seek to undermine famous figures often do so to regain their relevance, a practice she called “disgusting.” Without directly naming Nasir Adeeb or Reema Khan, she urged the industry to recognize the value of respecting others and not allow disrespectful behavior to continue.