Geo Entertainment and 7th Sky Entertainment confirmed on Thursday they terminated their contract with playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar after he used abusive language against human rights activist Marvi Sirmed on a live television programme this week.

Geo Entertainment said in a statement that a four-drama and one-film deal with Qamar had been suspended by the channel and production house "until he apologises for using indecent language on a TV show".

The statement said that all discussions should be conducted with reverence in line with principles of decency. “Khalil-ur-Rehman not only used abusive language against a woman but also refused to accept his mistake and apologise for it,” reads the statement.

“GEO has always aimed to create an enabling environment for thought and debate even if that includes criticism on the organisation itself. GEO Aur Jeenay Do,” the statement concludes.