Lyari, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Karachi, has recently gained much attention due to the depiction of this area in the Bollywood movie Dhurandhar. It is a place with a troubled past, where crime, political, and underworld activities have been associated. Below are five crucial facts that describe the complex identity of Lyari.
A ‘no-go zone’ reputation
Located near Karachi’s historic port, Lyari emerged as a densely populated settlement, driven by a high influx of migrants. However, it came to be perceived as a “no-go” zone, partly because of inadequate governance and law enforcement. The narrow streets, crowded settlements, and interconnected community life came to define it. It is often referred to as a place where government control seemed hard to establish. maintain control.
History of gang violence
In the 1980s and early 2010s, Lyari experienced high levels of gang warfare. This is because armed groups, most of which had political backing, controlled the area, resulting in regular gunfights. According to reports from the time, gunfights between rival gangs were common, and in some instances, the police did not interfere. However, the recent security drive in the area has managed to bring the violence under control.
The Rehman Dakait factor
The film also focuses on the life of one of the prominent gangsters of the region, namely Rehman Dakait. He emerged as a powerful figure in the region during the early 2000s. His killing during a shootout with the police marked a turning point for the government’s efforts against the gangs.
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Pakistan’s football heartland
Apart from its notoriety, Lyari has its own unique cultural identity. It is accepted as the football capital of Pakistan, where football is more popular than cricket. The presence of football clubs and matches in the area has helped to produce some good footballers.
Residents react to film success
However, following the success of Dhurandhar 2, some people in Lyari have responded to the movie. Some videos have been shared online where people are requesting a share of the income from the movie for the development of their area. This indicates a sense of pride in the attention Lyari is receiving.
