Pakistani filmmaker files police case after armed men storm set, actress held hostage

Veteran Pakistani filmmaker Sangeeta has filed a first information report (FIR) against a lawyer, accusing him of harassment, intimidation and attempts to obstruct the production of her upcoming drama, after armed men allegedly stormed the set and held actress Saima Noor hostage for nearly two hours.

At a press conference in Lahore, attended by director Syed Noor and several artists, Sangeeta said she had briefly left the River Ravi-Babu Sabu filming location due to illness when the incident occurred.

According to her, a group of eight men—including several wearing lawyers’ black coats—arrived armed, blocked the narrow road with their vehicles, and prevented anyone from leaving. The men allegedly threatened the crew, filmed the set and forced Saima Noor to remain seated, warning she would be handcuffed if she tried to move.

Sangeeta claimed that lawyer Ahmed Jahangir Baloch had repeatedly sent threatening notices to the cast and crew, falsely asserting that he was the producer and demanding approximately Rs 24-25 million. She alleged he pressured her to “meet him alone” to resolve the matter, despite being unable to provide any evidence of his financial claims. The filmmaker registered an FIR at Shera Kot police station.

Director Syed Noor praised Saima Noor’s courage but said the incident reflects a deteriorating environment for the Pakistani film industry. The harassment also led actor Nauman Ejaz to withdraw from the project out of fear, with his son stepping in as a replacement.

Sangeeta appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Inspector General of Punjab for urgent action. “If this can happen to senior artists like us, who is safe?” she asked.

Police sources noted that the complainant has not yet visited the police station, and despite multiple attempts to contact her, she has not responded to the investigating officer.

The accused lawyer is currently on bail until December 20.