An application was filed on Friday in a Karachi district court seeking the registration of a criminal case against the director, producer, actors and other crew members of the Indian film Dhurandhar over allegations of defaming the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The applicant contended that the film’s trailer and promotional material portrayed the PPP as being sympathetic to terrorism, while Karachi’s Lyari area was depicted as a “terrorist war zone.”

He further claimed that images of former prime minister and PPP chairperson Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, along with the party flag and rally visuals, were used without authorization.

Filed by PPP worker Mohammad Amir under Sections 22-A and B of the Criminal Procedure Code before the District and Sessions Court (South), the application named the film’s director, producer, actors and other crew members as proposed accused, with relevant police officials cited as respondents.

According to the applicant, he viewed the official trailer and promotional content of the film on social media on December 10 while present at a café within the jurisdiction of the Darakhshan police station.

He maintained that the content was false, fabricated and deliberately designed to incite hatred and hostility against the PPP, its leadership and supporters.

The application further stated that the portrayal of Lyari as a “terrorist war zone” was misleading, provocative and deeply harmful, not only to the area’s residents but also to the image of Karachi and Pakistan as a whole.

The applicant argued that the individuals involved in the creation, production and distribution of the film were responsible for circulating defamatory and provocative material, which attracted offences including defamation, criminal intimidation, provocation with intent to cause rioting and promoting enmity between groups.

He also submitted that he suffered mental distress and reputational harm within the limits of the Darakhshan police station and had approached the station house officer (SHO) for the registration of an FIR. However, he claimed that his complaint was not acted upon.

Through the application, the applicant requested the court to direct the SHO to register the case and sought that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South.