Banned 'Dhurandhar' Goes Viral in Pakistan; Sindh Govt to Counter with 'Mera Lyari'

• Indian film 'Dhurandhar' is widely pirated and watched in Pakistan despite being banned, with clips going viral on social media.
• The film's depiction of Karachi's Lyari as a terrorist war zone and its use of political imagery (PPP, Benazir Bhutto) has sparked controversy and a diplomatic row.
• ISI and ISPR-linked accounts are using 'Dhurandhar' clips for propaganda, while a PPP activist has filed a legal challenge against the film.
• Sindh government officials criticized 'Dhurandhar' for damaging Pakistan's image by focusing only on Lyari's negative aspects.
• To counter this, the Sindh government will produce 'Mera Lyari', a film directed by Abu Aliha, to showcase Lyari's true, positive image, set for a January 2026 release.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's ban on 'Dhurandhar' backfired, leading to widespread piracy and a government-backed counter-film.