Javed Akhtar, an Indian poet and writer, has made another contentious allegation about Pakistan following his recent visit to the country to attend the Faiz Festival in Lahore.
Akhtar was chastised for his controversial comments blaming Pakistan of enabling the Mumbai attack perpetrators to “roam free” in the nation.
The Indian writer recently contrasted poverty between Pakistan and India.
At a talk, Indian novelist Chetan Bhagat stated that Pakistan is now experiencing economic difficulties and is requesting assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He inquired about Akhtar’s feelings during his tour to Pakistan.
Responding to the question, Akhtar said: “No, not at all. We see poverty on the Indian streets but there is nothing like that in Lahore. It seems like they hide the poverty.”
“I have been to Lahore three times but I never saw houses belonging to poor people or any poor man roaming on the streets. It’s surprising how they have managed all of this,” he claimed.
Bhagat asked if, during his stay in Pakistan, he travelled via “special streets”.
At this, Akhtar said: “You will see poverty in Mumbai no matter whichever road you take but this is not the same in Pakistan.”
