Isi: Uttar Pradesh: Controversy Surrounds ‘Dhurandhar 2’
How it unfolded
On March 19, 2026, the release of the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’ in Uttar Pradesh, Pakistan, ignited a significant controversy. The film’s portrayal of Atiq Ahmed, a controversial figure, has drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders, particularly S.T. Hasan, who publicly condemned the film for suggesting a connection between Ahmed and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
S.T. Hasan stated, “Who they were connected to and who they were not, our police know this very well,” emphasizing the need for accurate representations of individuals in the public eye. This statement reflects a broader concern about the film’s impact on public perception and the potential for misinformation.
As the controversy unfolded, it became evident that intelligence agencies had not confirmed any links between Atiq Ahmed and the ISI, raising questions about the motivations behind the film’s narrative. The situation was further complicated by warnings from Field Marshal Asim Munir, who indicated that a shake-up within the ISI might be imminent due to ongoing intelligence failures.
Field Marshal Munir’s remarks, “Perform or perish,” underscored the urgency for the ISI to address its shortcomings, particularly in relation to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Reports have indicated that the TTP operates a parallel government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in effectively managing threats to national security.
Criticism of the ISI has intensified, especially regarding its failure to provide actionable intelligence on the TTP. This has led to a growing sentiment among political leaders, including Waris Pathan, who stated, “Efforts are being made to spread hatred in the country,” suggesting that the portrayal of figures like Atiq Ahmed in media could exacerbate tensions within society.
In a related development, two men, Azeem Rana and Azad Rajput, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing information with a Pakistan-based gang. This incident further illustrates the complex web of connections and the ongoing concerns regarding security and intelligence in the region.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, with the ISI and the army reportedly not aligned on operational strategies. The implications of these events are significant for those involved, as they highlight the delicate balance between media representation, political accountability, and national security.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the connections between the film’s narrative and real-life figures, but the ongoing discourse emphasizes the importance of responsible storytelling in shaping public perception and policy.
