Sindh(The COW News Digital)The Sindh government has announced the release of a new film titled Mera Lyari, intended as a cultural response to the controversial Indian film Dharandhar, which has been criticized for portraying Pakistan in a negative light. The announcement came from Sindh’s senior provincial minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon.
Speaking on social media platform X, Memon described Dharandhar as part of a “propaganda campaign against Pakistan,” singling out Lyari, a locality in Karachi, as the primary target of the negative depiction. He emphasized that Lyari is often misrepresented in films and media as a violent area, while in reality, it is a vibrant community known for its culture, talent, resilience, and peaceful spirit.
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“Our aim is to showcase the real Lyari to the world,” Memon wrote. “Next month, the film Mera Lyari will be released to highlight the community’s culture, achievements, and pride.” He added that the film will portray the neighborhood as a symbol of hope and creativity, challenging stereotypes and presenting a positive narrative to international audiences.
The announcement underscores a growing trend in Pakistan’s media and government circles to use cinema and other cultural tools to counter foreign portrayals deemed harmful or inaccurate. Officials said that Mera Lyari will feature stories of local talent, cultural heritage, and community initiatives, aiming to shift the focus from conflict and crime to creativity and social resilience.
Lyari, one of Karachi’s oldest neighborhoods, has historically faced challenges, including poverty and occasional violence, but it is also celebrated for its strong community bonds, sports culture, and artistic contributions. By releasing Mera Lyari, the Sindh government hopes to reclaim the narrative surrounding the area and project an image of progress, peace, and pride.
The film is scheduled for release next month, and Memon has called on filmmakers, artists, and citizens to support the initiative as a step toward promoting an authentic image of Pakistan’s urban communities. Analysts say that this move reflects a broader strategy of cultural diplomacy, using cinema to counter negative perceptions abroad while fostering local pride and identity.
With Mera Lyari, the Sindh government aims to not only respond to Dharandhar but also encourage filmmakers to explore stories rooted in Pakistan’s diverse neighborhoods and rich cultural landscape.
