Pakistan's Lyari defies Bollywood's gangland label to rise as boxing haven

In Karachi, Pakistan, the neighborhood of Lyari is challenging its notorious reputation, often depicted in Bollywood films as a hotbed of gang violence, by emerging as a thriving center for boxing. Boxing coach Younus Qambrani actively promotes the sport, especially for girls, sharing training videos and photos from his Pak-Shaheen boxing club.

Lyari, home to nearly 950,000 people, is a densely populated area characterized by narrow, bustling streets. Bollywood's portrayal, notably in films like 'Dhurandhar' and its sequel, depicts Lyari as a backdrop for brutal gang warfare and covert Indian intelligence operations. These films have achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $100 million each.

However, residents view Lyari as more than just a setting for crime. It is a diverse melting pot of cultures and traditions with a rich history. The neighborhood boasts a growing rap and hip-hop scene, launching artists like Lyari Underground and Eva B onto the national stage. It also holds the nickname 'Mini Brazil' for its passion for football.

Lyari's past was indeed marked by significant gang violence and unrest, particularly from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s. Rival syndicates engaged in intense battles, turning parts of the area into a conflict zone. Human rights groups reported hundreds of deaths in Karachi annually during the peak of this violence, many occurring in Lyari.

A government crackdown, known as Operation Lyari, launched in 2012 with police and paramilitary forces, dismantled major gang hierarchies. This operation, along with subsequent security campaigns, largely ended the era of open, large-scale gang warfare, though challenges remain.