KARACHI: An application was filed in a district court on Friday to register a case against the director, producer and crew of an Indian movie ‘Dhurandar’ for defaming the PPP by portraying it as terrorist sympathisers and labelling Karachi’s Lyari area a “terrorist war zone”.
The petition also accuses the filmmakers of using images of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the party’s flag without authorisation.
The applicant, Mohammad Amir, who identified himself as a PPP worker, filed the application under Section 22-A & B of the Criminal Procedure Code. He named the movie’s director, producer, actors, and other crew members as the proposed accused and identified relevant police officials as respondents.
He said in his application that he viewed the film’s official trailer and promotional materials on social media platforms on Dec 10 at a cafe within the jurisdiction of the Darakhshan police station.
The petition asserted that Karachi, especially Lyari, being termed a “terrorist war zone” is a provocative, misleading misrepresentation that harms the country’s and its people’s reputation.
The petition also contended that the accused are responsible for defamatory content that could incite rioting and promote enmity between groups.
Mr Amir said his written complaint to the Darakhshan SHO was ignored.
The plea requests the court to instruct the SHO to file a case and have the SSP South oversee the investigation.
Indian media reported that the film has been banned in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—due to its anti-Pakistan messaging, despite efforts for a Middle East release.
Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2025
