Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of A Serial Killer premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival on 4 May at London’s leading cinema, BFI Southbank. The movie was banned in Pakistan two days before its scheduled release in January 2022, which prompted backlash from the media fraternity who voiced their disappointment, calling for the film to be released in Punjab.

Based on Abu Aleeha’s own novel "Kukri", the film depicts the story of Lahore’s notorious serial killer, Javed Iqbal, who sexually abused and murdered more than 100 boys in Lahore during 1999. He was arrested and sentenced to death. But just two years into his sentence, he allegedly committed suicide in his prison cell.

This year’s fest is themed ‘Dare To ‘Dream, commemorating 75 years of India and Pakistan’s Independence. Films will be screened across the UK including in Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Warwick, Bradford, Stockton and Glasgow and online via BFI Player and Modern Films.

In a press statement, Yasir Hussain said:

"It is a matter of pride that the UK Asian Film Festival is treating our film with so much respect but it is unfortunate that we are unable to recognize the value of our own content and our own people".

Abu Aleeha, Javed Ahmed Kakepoto, Yasir Hussain and Ayesha Omar were present at the UK screening on the opening night of the film festival.