KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced the release of Mera Layari in the first week of January as a direct response to what it describes as the misrepresentation of Lyari in the Indian film Dharandhar.
The government claims that the Indian movie unfairly portrays Lyari as a hotspot of gang violence, something officials aim to correct with their upcoming project.
Sharjeel Memon, the Sindh Minister for Information, explained that Mera Layari will be released internationally to counter the negative stereotypes surrounding Lyari, especially following the release of Dharandhar, which depicts the area as a hub of criminal activity and violence linked to organized gangs.
Memon stated that the film would serve as a vehicle for changing the international perception of Lyari, showing that it is not a symbol of lawlessness, but rather a community with a rich cultural heritage, resilience, and strength.
He added that India, which suffered a significant defeat in the 1971 war against Pakistan, cannot rewrite history or glorify its past through films. He criticized Dharandhar for using the backdrop of Lyari to spread what he called “negative propaganda” against Pakistan, especially the people of Lyari, who he said are proud of their history and contributions to the nation’s cultural fabric.
The Sindh government’s film Mera Layari seeks to shine a light on the true spirit of the region, focusing on the peaceful and vibrant communities of Lyari, and the courage of its people.
