Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has “settled” the Karachi versus Lahore food debate once and for all, asserting that the latter offers quality traditional dishes, while Karachi stands out for its greater variety of cuisines due to its diverse cultural mix.

Akram, in a video statement posted on his official handles across social media platforms, put forward himself as the right person to settle the debate, citing the extensive time he has spent in both major cities. "I have been watching the debate on social media, and it seems the Karachi versus Lahore battle has intensified," said Akram.

"Look, I spent 42 years in Lahore. I was born there, and I am a Lahori. But I have also been living in Karachi for the past 14 years, so I think I can settle this debate once and for all," he added. His remarks came after national politician Fawad Chaudhry had given Lahore an edge over Karachi in terms of cuisine, citing the tradition and history the former city possesses.

"Karachi's food is okay, but it lacks Lahore's pedigree. With food giants serving the same dish for over a century, Lahore's culinary heritage is in a league of its own. It's the history behind food that makes it so special," Chaudhry had posted on X, formerly Twitter.

While directly referencing Chaudhry's recent remarks regarding Karachi's cuisine, Akram stated, "A friend of mine, Chaudhry Fawad Sahib, also commented on Karachi food, saying 'Karachi food is okay'. Mr Chaudhry, in which Karachi have you been roaming?” The legendary pacer then went on to highlight a shift in Lahore's food, which he described as having become "overwhelmingly spicy", citing the commentators' recent visit. "In Karachi, you can walk into one restaurant and find a wide variety of cuisines and flavours. That is what makes the city's food scene unique," he shared. "So, if I have to conclude this debate, I would say Lahore’s food is good, but Karachi offers far greater variety," he concluded jokingly, adding, "Now people can come after me for saying this."