Isi: Controversy Surrounding and ‘Dhurandhar 2’ in Pakistan

How it unfolded

On March 19, 2026, a significant controversy emerged in Uttar Pradesh, Pakistan, surrounding the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’. The film has faced criticism for allegedly linking the notorious criminal Atiq Ahmed to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency. S.T. Hasan, a prominent political figure, publicly condemned the film, asserting that the police are well aware of the connections between individuals depicted in the film and their actual affiliations. “Who they were connected to and who they were not, our police know this very well,” Hasan stated, highlighting the contentious nature of the film’s narrative.

Despite the film’s claims, intelligence agencies have not confirmed any links between Atiq Ahmed and the ISI. This lack of confirmation raises questions about the accuracy of the film’s portrayal and the motivations behind its production. The controversy has not only drawn attention to the film but also to the broader issues of political narratives and the portrayal of criminal figures in media.

In the backdrop of this controversy, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the head of the ISI, has 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 on the agency to address its shortcomings, particularly in light of the growing influence of groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is reported to operate a parallel government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Reports indicate that the ISI and the military are currently not aligned on operational strategies, leading to further complications in addressing security threats. The TTP has been a significant concern for the ISI, which has faced criticism for its inability to provide actionable intelligence regarding the group’s activities. This situation has raised alarms about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus and its implications for national security.

In a related incident, two individuals, Azeem Rana and Azad Rajput, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing information with a gang based in Pakistan. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating cross-border criminal activities and the complexities of intelligence-sharing between nations.

As the situation continues to develop, the implications of the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’ and the criticisms directed at the ISI are likely to resonate within both political and security circles. The controversy serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between media portrayals, public perception, and the operational realities of intelligence agencies.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of the ISI’s involvement in the matters highlighted by the film, and the ongoing discussions surrounding these events will likely shape future narratives about the agency and its role in Pakistan’s security landscape.