Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has joined the long-running social media debate comparing the food cultures of Karachi and Lahore, offering his own take on which city stands out in terms of variety and taste.
A video of Akram discussing the topic has been circulating widely online, where he humorously addressed the intensity of the debate between supporters of both cities.
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Speaking in the clip, Akram joked that the discussion had become so heated on social media that it seemed as though “swords and gandasas” had come out, with users passionately defending their city’s cuisine.
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Reflecting on his personal connection to both places, Akram noted that he was born in Lahore and spent 42 years there before moving to Karachi, where he has now lived for the past 14 years.
The former cricketer acknowledged Lahore’s strengths, saying the city has several well-known spots famous for dishes such as nihari and paye. However, he suggested that Karachi offers greater culinary diversity due to its multicultural population.
According to Akram, Karachi’s food scene benefits from the presence of communities from different ethnic and regional backgrounds, allowing residents access to a wider variety of cuisines in one city.
He also commented lightheartedly on Lahore’s food style, saying he had noticed the increasing use of spices and cream in dishes, including around popular food areas near the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore’s famous food streets.
Summing up his view, Akram said Lahore serves excellent food but has comparatively less variety, while Karachi offers broader options because of its diverse food culture. He concluded the video on a humorous note, joking that people might now come after him with shoes for sharing his opinion.
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The Karachi versus Lahore food debate frequently trends on Pakistani social media, often sparking spirited arguments over biryani, barbecue, street food and traditional breakfast dishes.
Akram’s comments have added a celebrity perspective to the discussion, further fuelling online engagement around one of Pakistan’s favourite cultural rivalries.