Pakistani cinema is once more drawing international attention, reflecting the industry’s expanding global influence. The latest example is the film Mera Lyari, scheduled for its world premiere on May 2, 2026, as part of the 28th UK Asian Film Festival hosted at London’s British Film Institute.

For years, cinematic portrayals of Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood have predominantly framed it through the lens of crime and turmoil. Mera Lyari counters this established narrative by foregrounding the community’s vitality, perseverance, and its significant role in nurturing Pakistan’s sporting talent. The film seeks to reframe Lyari’s image, offering a more authentic perspective centred on its residents, cultural life, and profound passion for football.

Mera Lyari was first released in Pakistan in January 2026 with support from the Sindh government. The film features a strong cast including Dananeer Mobeen, Ayesha Omar and Samiya Mumtaz. It is written and directed by Abu Aleeha, who has tried to tell a story that reflects everyday life in Lyari rather than repeating familiar stereotypes.

A notable aspect of the film is that many members of the supporting cast are from Lyari. Their involvement adds a sense of authenticity to the story, allowing the film to present a more natural and honest reflection of the community, its language and its way of life.

At its core, the film revolves around football, a sport that holds a special place in the area. It shows how the game brings people together and serves as a source of hope and identity for the community. Through its characters and setting, the film presents Lyari as a centre of talent and culture, rather than one of violence.

The release of Mera Lyari also comes in response to the Indian film Dhurandhar, which faced criticism for its portrayal of Lyari as a hub of terrorism and gang conflict. The depiction sparked displeasure among those in Pakistan, with many arguing that the movie ignored the area’s positive aspects.

The controversy even led to a constitutional petition being filed in a Karachi court, particularly over the portrayal of political figures such as Benazir Bhutto.

By taking the film to an international platform, the makers of Mera Lyari hope to offer a more balanced perspective of the area and of Karachi as a whole. The screening at the UK festival may open new doors for Pakistani cinema, while also helping reshape global perceptions of the country.

More importantly, the film sends a clear message: Lyari is more than the stereotypes and stories; it is a place of culture, sport and community.

Read more: Sindh Minister Announces ‘Mera Lyari’ To Showcase Lyari’s True Spirit

The wait just got a lot more intense and a lot more terrifying. The teaser for Zombeid, starring Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat, has finally dropped, and it wastes no time in setting a grim, blood-soaked tone.

Opening with a haunting voiceover – “We’ve seen wars, we’ve seen the pandemic, only this was left” – the teaser plunges straight into a chaotic montage of snarling zombies, flashing danger from every corner. It’s loud, unsettling, and unapologetically gory, signaling a dramatic departure from the safer, formula-driven storytelling Pakistani audiences are used to.

Touted as Pakistan’s first full-fledged zombie thriller, Zombeid looks determined to push boundaries. The teaser hints at a high-adrenaline narrative packed with action. One standout moment features Fahad Mustafa inside a fighting octagon, stripped down and ready for combat, suggesting that survival here won’t come easy it’ll be fought for, brutally.

Behind the madness is the familiar powerhouse duo of Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, known for delivering crowd-pleasing hits. This time, however, they seem to be trading humor and social commentary for tension, fear, and spectacle

Amid the chaos, the teaser also offers a softer glimpse into the story. A brief but intimate shot of Mustafa and Hayat together hints at an emotional core beneath the horror, a relationship that might be tested in the face of unimaginable danger. It’s a reminder that even in a world overrun by the undead, human connection remains at stake.

Set for an Eidul Azha release, Zombeid is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional films to hit Pakistani cinemas in years.

Read more: Fahad Mustafa & Mehwish Hayat Reunite for Pakistan’s Horror Zombie Thriller

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Never one to soften her words, Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has once again found herself at the center of public conversation for her remarks about overseas Pakistanis and their often emotional ties to home.

The model-turned-actress, known as much for her outspoken nature as for her work in the fashion and entertainment industry, recently appeared on the talk show GupShab. During the conversation, she reflected on her own experience of moving abroad with her husband, offering a perspective that sharply contrasts with the nostalgic narratives often shared by expatriates.

While many public figures, including Sanam Jung, have openly discussed the emotional challenges of settling in a new country. Saheefa took a more critical stance. She questioned what she described as a pattern of contradiction among overseas Pakistanis, calling out what she perceives as a lack of honesty in how people talk about life abroad.

According to her, individuals who choose to relocate should fully embrace their new environment instead of romanticizing what they left behind. She emphasized that living overseas comes with structure, rules, and opportunities that many willingly accept, yet some continue to dwell on comforts they once had in Pakistan. In her view, this mindset reflects a kind of hypocrisy, enjoying the benefits of a new life while simultaneously longing for the conveniences of the old one.

Her comments quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions; some social media users agreed with her straightforward take, appreciating her willingness to say what others might hesitate to voice. Others, however, felt her remarks overlooked the emotional complexities of migration; the quiet loneliness, the cultural disconnect, and the longing for familiarity that often accompanies starting over in a foreign land.

Saheefa, who has previously spoken about her personal struggles with mental health and taken breaks from acting, is currently focusing more on her digital presence rather than actively pursuing television projects.

Read more: Saheefa Jabbar faces backlash for preferring to hire Pathan workers over Punjabis/Urdu-speakers