How it unfolded
On March 19, 2026, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh, Pakistan, became increasingly tumultuous following the release of the controversial film ‘Dhurandhar 2’. The film has drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders, particularly S.T. Hasan, who condemned its portrayal of criminal and political figures, specifically linking Atiq Ahmed to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Hasan stated, “Who they were connected to and who they were not, our police know this very well.” This statement reflects the growing concern over the film’s implications for public perception and law enforcement.
Despite the film’s assertions, intelligence agencies have not confirmed any connections between Atiq Ahmed and the ISI. This lack of verification has fueled further debate among political circles, with some leaders, including Waris Pathan, accusing the film of attempting to incite hatred within the country. Pathan remarked, “Efforts are being made to spread hatred in the country,” highlighting the potential societal ramifications of the film’s narrative.
In the backdrop of this controversy, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the head of the ISI, issued a stark warning regarding potential shake-ups within the agency due to ongoing intelligence failures. He emphasized the need for the ISI to improve its performance, stating, “Perform or perish.” This statement underscores the pressure the agency faces amid rising security concerns, particularly regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is reported to operate a parallel government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Moreover, the ISI has faced criticism for its inability to provide actionable intelligence on the TTP, raising questions about its effectiveness and coordination with the military. Reports indicate that the ISI and the army are not aligned on operational strategies, which could hinder efforts to combat growing threats from militant groups.
In a related development, two individuals, Azeem Rana and Azad Rajput, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing information with a gang based in Pakistan. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing cross-border criminal activities and the implications for national security.
As the situation evolves, the ISI’s credibility and operational effectiveness remain under scrutiny. The agency’s struggles to manage internal and external threats are compounded by public perceptions influenced by media portrayals, such as that of ‘Dhurandhar 2’.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the ISI’s involvement in these matters, but the unfolding events underscore the critical intersection of politics, media, and security in Pakistan. The ramifications of these developments are likely to resonate across the political spectrum, affecting both public opinion and policy decisions going forward.
