KARACHI:

A public dispute between digital creator Mahnoor Rahim and television producer Umer Mukhtar has intensified, after Rahim rejected a legal notice sent by Mukhtar in response to her allegations of misconduct.

Rahim first spoke out earlier this month, claiming that a senior figure in the entertainment industry had sent her inappropriate late-night messages. She later identified the individual as Mukhtar. In subsequent social media posts, she defended her decision to go public, stating that her claims were “truthful and lawful” and did not amount to defamation.

The controversy began when Rahim described receiving unsolicited direct messages at around 3am from a producer she later named. She further alleged that other women had experienced similar interactions, including some who were reportedly underage at the time. The claims quickly gained traction online, sparking debate about professional boundaries and accountability within Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Although Rahim did not initially disclose Mukhtar’s name, social media users speculated about his identity before she confirmed it publicly.

The matter also drew in actor Hania Aamir, who has previously been associated professionally with Mukhtar and serves as a UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador. Addressing the issue on her platform, Aamir said she had no prior knowledge of the allegations and reiterated a “zero-tolerance” stance towards harassment. She added that she stands for the safety and dignity of women and girls.

Mukhtar has strongly denied the accusations. In a legal notice shared publicly, he described the allegations as “false, defamatory and damaging” to his reputation. The notice reportedly cites Pakistani law as well as the UK’s Defamation Act 2013, and calls for the removal of related social media posts.