No FIR possible against Dhurandhar makers due to lack of territorial jurisdiction, say Karachi police

The Karachi police have informed a sessions court that no case could be launched against the director, producer or cast of the Bollywood film Dhurandhar over allegations of defaming the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The Darakhshan SHO submitted a report on an application filed by PPP worker Mohammad Amir, who sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the film’s director, producer and other members of its crew.

In the report, the SHO said that an initial inquiry showed all the named individuals were Indian citizens with no residential, commercial or legal presence in Pakistan.

“The impugned film was produced, filmed and released in India, and all alleged acts took place outside the territorial jurisdiction of Pakistan. No material or evidence has surfaced to suggest screening, circulation, or availability of the said film within Pakistan,” the SHO stated.

The police officer further informed the court that the applicant had not pointed out the commission of any cognisable offence within the limits of Darakhshan police station or elsewhere in the country.

“In absence of territorial jurisdiction and essential legal ingredients, registration of an FIR is neither warranted nor permissible under law,” the report maintained.

It said that repeated attempts were made to contact the applicant for verification of the claims, but he failed to appear before investigators despite being given adequate opportunities.

Based on these findings, the police concluded that the application lacked substance, did not justify the registration of an FIR and was liable to be dismissed.

The applicant said that the film’s trailer portrayed the PPP as being sympathetic towards terrorists and described Lyari as a “terrorist war zone.” He claimed the depiction was misleading, provocative and damaging to the reputation of Pakistan and its people.