Veteran politician and Pakistan Peoples Party leader Nabeel Gabol has ignited widespread discussion after claiming that Netflix is developing a major scripted series centered on Lyari, one of Karachi’s most historic and complex neighborhoods. His remarks have quickly gone viral, sparking debate across social media platforms and political circles.
Speaking in the context of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Indian film Dhurandhar, Gabol said a Netflix production team has approached him regarding a proposed multi-season project. According to him, the series is envisioned as a three-season production that would explore the real history of Lyari beyond commonly portrayed stereotypes.
Gabol asserted that the project aims to highlight Lyari’s socio-political evolution, power dynamics, and grassroots politics. He emphasized that the intention is to counter what he described as repeated negative portrayals of the area in foreign films and series, which often focus narrowly on crime while ignoring Lyari’s cultural depth.
The PPP leader further claimed that a Netflix team is expected to visit Pakistan in March to conduct research and discussions related to the project. This statement has fueled speculation about Netflix’s growing interest in Pakistan-based stories, especially those rooted in political and social realities.
One of the most striking claims made by Gabol involves potential casting. He alleged that a Netflix director or producer expressed interest in casting Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, globally known for his role as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos. According to Gabol, the producers reportedly saw a physical resemblance between him and Moura.
Gabol suggested that the character in the alleged series would be inspired by his own political journey in Lyari. This claim has generated mixed reactions, with some social media users expressing intrigue while others questioned the plausibility of an international star portraying a Pakistani political figure.
The timing of Gabol’s comments is significant. His statements come shortly after he publicly criticized the Indian film Dhurandhar, which reportedly features a character named Jameel Jamali inspired by him. Gabol has repeatedly said that the film misrepresented his role, arguing that his real-life influence and persona in Lyari politics were far stronger than depicted.
He has also reiterated that Lyari should not be reduced to narratives of violence and crime. According to him, the area has produced notable athletes, artists, and political movements that deserve recognition on global platforms.
Despite the intense online buzz, Netflix has not issued any official confirmation regarding the alleged Lyari series, the reported March visit, or Wagner Moura’s involvement. Industry analysts caution that while Lyari’s history offers rich material for storytelling, claims involving major international productions and actors remain speculative without formal announcements.
Nevertheless, the episode has reignited conversations about representation, storytelling, and Pakistan’s place in global streaming content. Whether the project materializes or not, Gabol’s claims have once again placed Lyari at the center of a broader debate about narrative ownership and cultural portrayal.
