The upcoming film “Dhoorandhar” has sparked intense discussion in both India and Pakistan. With Akshaye Khanna portraying the infamous gangster Rehman Daku and Sanjay Dutt playing the role of Chaudhry Aslam, the film brings back memories of one of Pakistan’s most controversial police officers.
Chaudhry Aslam was known as an “encounter specialist” in Karachi—feared by criminals, admired by supporters, and criticized by human rights activists. While many hailed him as a hero who stood up to gangsters and terrorists, others labeled him a villain who symbolized extra-judicial killings.
So who was Chaudhry Aslam really? And why does his legacy still divide opinion?
Why Is Chaudhry Aslam Back in the Spotlight?
“Dhoorandhar” is set against the backdrop of Pakistan’s criminal underworld, particularly Karachi. The film has drawn attention because it portrays real-life figures who shaped the city’s violent history.
Rehman Daku, a feared gangster, is played by Akshaye Khanna
Chaudhry Aslam, the officer who killed Rehman Daku, is played by Sanjay Dutt
While Rehman Daku’s name became familiar to Indian audiences due to the film, Chaudhry Aslam has once again become a subject of debate—especially in Pakistan, where reactions to his portrayal are mixed.
Who Was Chaudhry Aslam?
Chaudhry Aslam was a senior officer in the Karachi Police, widely known for leading armed encounters against criminals, gangsters, and later, terrorists.
Interestingly, “Chaudhry Aslam” was not his real name. His birth name was Muhammad Aslam Khan. He was neither surnamed Chaudhry nor belonged to the Chaudhry caste. How and why the name “Chaudhry” became attached to him remains unclear—but it became so popular that his real name was almost forgotten.
Early Life and Entry into Police
Born in 1964 in the Mansehra district (now in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Joined the police force on 31 October 1984
Initially served in the Sindh Reserve Police’s elite Eagle Squad
Later transferred to the regular Karachi Police force
Despite later being known as a ruthless officer, those who knew him early described him as quiet and reserved.
Rise as an “Encounter Specialist”
During Karachi’s violent years—especially the 1990s and early 2000s—the city was plagued by gangs, political violence, extortion, and sectarian killings.
Chaudhry Aslam rose rapidly through the ranks:
Became SHO of Gulbahar Police Station
Appointed DSP of Nazimabad in 1999
Served in elite units such as:
Anti-Car Lifting Cell
Special Branch
CID (Criminal Investigation Department)
According to analysts, during the prolonged Karachi Operation, Aslam was involved in hundreds of police encounters, in which over 100 wanted suspects were either killed or arrested.
This earned him the title of “Encounter Specialist”—a label that brought both fame and controversy.
The Killing of Rehman Daku
One of the defining moments of Chaudhry Aslam’s career came on 9 August 2009, when he killed Abdul Rehman Baloch, better known as Rehman Daku.
Rehman Daku was:
A notorious Lyari-based gangster
Founder of the People’s Aman Committee
Accused of murder, extortion, and armed violence
His killing made Chaudhry Aslam a household name. Supporters saw it as a major blow to organized crime. Critics questioned whether the killing was a genuine encounter or an extra-judicial execution.
A Career Full of Controversy
Throughout his nearly 30-year police career, Chaudhry Aslam faced:
Allegations of fake encounters
Accusations of excessive use of force
However, multiple inquiries failed to prove wrongdoing, and he was repeatedly cleared of charges.
As Karachi’s security situation worsened with the rise of Taliban-linked militancy, Chaudhry Aslam’s role shifted from gang control to counter-terrorism.
Fighting the Taliban and Extremist Groups
As a senior officer in the CID, Chaudhry Aslam led operations against:
Pakistani Taliban
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Sectarian and religious extremist networks
As attacks on minorities, police, and civilians increased, public opinion began to change. Many who once criticized encounter killings started viewing Aslam as a necessary force against terrorism.
Gradually, his image shifted:
From a controversial cop → to a symbol of resistance against extremism
Multiple Assassination Attempts
Due to his role, Chaudhry Aslam became a prime target for militant groups.
Major Attacks He Survived
CID Office Bombing (Civil Lines)
Car bomb killed around 20 people
Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility
Aslam survived
2011 Attack on His Home (Defence Phase 8)
Suicide car bombing
Killed 8 people, including police guards and civilians
Aslam narrowly escaped again
These attacks cemented his reputation as one of the most targeted police officers in Pakistan.
Death in a Terrorist Attack
On 9 January 2014, Chaudhry Aslam was finally killed in a suicide bombing in Karachi. His close aide Kamran and his bodyguard also died in the attack.
Just hours earlier, Aslam had claimed responsibility for killing three Taliban militants in an alleged police encounter near Manghopir.
His death was widely seen as revenge by extremist groups.
Hero or Villain: Why Opinions Still Differ
Seen as a Hero by Supporters
Fought gangsters and terrorists head-on
Survived multiple assassination attempts
Took bold action when institutions seemed weak
Seen as a Villain by Critics
Associated with extra-judicial killings
Symbol of police excesses
Raised serious human rights concerns
This dual image explains why Chaudhry Aslam remains such a polarizing figure—and why his portrayal in Dhoorandhar has reignited debate.
Conclusion
Chaudhry Aslam’s life was shaped by violence, controversy, and courage. Whether remembered as a fearless law enforcer or a symbol of a broken justice system depends largely on perspective.
“Dhoorandhar” does more than tell a cinematic story—it reopens difficult questions about law, justice, power, and morality in times of chaos.
And perhaps that is why, even years after his death, Chaudhry Aslam continues to provoke strong emotions—both admiration and criticism.
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