New Delhi: A Pakistani politician named Nabil Gabol is furious over the Bollywood film Dhurandhar. He claims Rakesh Bedi’s character, inspired by him, made him look “less dabangg”, not daring enough.
Viral video has him slamming the movie’s take on his Lyari turf, calling it a terrorist hub. Banned abroad, yet sparking global buzz – what’s his next move?
Gabol’s fiery reaction
A viral social media video captures Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol reacting to Dhurandhar. He believes Rakesh Bedi’s role as Jameel Jamali is based on him, but says it doesn’t show his real “dabangg” (bold) personality. When asked, Gabol boasts that his character is important but poorly portrayed.
Gabol slams the film for depicting Lyari in Karachi as a terrorist hub linked to gangs, politicians, and anti-India terror. He credits GCC countries for banning it, saying thanks to the Arab rulers’ grace. The movie follows Indian spy Hamza Ali Mazhari (Ranveer Singh), who infiltrates gangster Rahman Dakait’s world.
Who is Sardar Nabil Ahmed Khan Gabol?
Nabil Gabol, the fiery Pakistani politician from Lyari, Karachi, grabs headlines again with his bold takedown of Bollywood’s Dhurandhar, claiming Rakesh Bedi’s character made him look “less dabangg.” Chief Sardar of the Baloch Gabol tribe, this maverick lawmaker switches parties like outfits and rules Karachi’s toughest turf with charisma and controversy. From ministerial perks to gangster allegations, his life screams Bollywood drama.
Early career
Nabil Gabol joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) at age 24, winning Sindh Provincial Assembly seats in 1988-1990 and 1993-1996. He served as Deputy Speaker during his second term. Elected to the National Assembly from NA-248 (Karachi) in 2002 on a PPP ticket, he built a base in violence-prone Lyari.
Party switches
Gabol quit PPP in 2013 after 25 years, slamming it for ignoring Lyari and target killings; he joined MQM, winning NA-246 in 2013. He resigned from MQM in 2015 and rejoined PPP in 2017 with his son Nadir. Re-elected to NA-239 (Karachi South-I) in 2024 on PPP, beating PTI-backed rival by a narrow margin despite rigging claims.
Key roles and controversies
As Minister of State for Ports and Shipping (2008-2011), he resigned over ministry issues. Accused in 2015 of plotting Lyari unrest with gangster Ghaffar Zikri, providing arms for chaos; critics blame him for gang rise, but he denies it. Protests targeted him for patronising criminals.