Deepak Perwani’s comparison between India and Pakistan sparks controversy as some Pakistanis defend their country while others agree with his perspective
Pakistani fashion designer and actor Deepak Perwani’s recent remarks about life in India being better than Pakistan have sparked a heated debate among Pakistanis. Perwani, a Sindhi Hindu, openly shared his thoughts during an interview on Aamna Haider’s show Haute Talk, discussing the contrasting realities of life in both countries, reported theprint.in.
Perwani, 50, who had recently visited India, expressed that Indians enjoy greater freedom and a higher quality of life compared to Pakistanis. He noted that, “If you see their lives comparatively, Indians have it better. Happiness abounds. People laugh and live their lives. Women walk on the streets freely, ride cycles and motorbikes.” He also pointed out the better infrastructure in India, mentioning that even rickshaw pullers and cab drivers use UPI, contrasting it with Pakistan’s less pedestrian-friendly cities.
While Perwani’s comments stirred controversy, many supported his views. Instagram user Ebtesham agreed, claiming that only those who haven’t experienced the freedoms he mentioned would criticize Deepak Perwani
Dr Nosheen Zareen Khan expressed frustration with Pakistan’s economic struggles and the nation’s inability to face its challenges, stating, “Pakistan is a third-world country with a low economy rate. Who is safe in Pakistan? Not even a 4-year-old kid.”
On the other hand, some Pakistanis, like Bushra Zubair on YouTube, defended their country, arguing that minorities in Pakistan are treated better than Perwani suggests. Zubair emphasized that Hindus in Pakistan are treated “100 times better than other countries.” Another commenter suggested that Perwani should leave for India if he felt that way, saying, “Tau India dafa ho jaye phir (leave for India then).”
While some Pakistanis agree with Perwani’s view, others strongly criticize him, with some even suggesting he should move to India
Perwani, however, responded by reflecting on his own journey, admitting that a few decades ago, he considered leaving Pakistan, but now, after spending much of his life there, he has chosen to stay.
Who is Deepak Perwani?
Perwani, a renowned fashion designer, has made a significant mark in Pakistan and internationally. He holds a Guinness World Record for designing the world’s largest kurta and has been named the sixth-best fashion designer globally by the Bulgarian Fashion Awards in 2014.
His fashion house, Deepak Perwani (DP), has garnered recognition both within Pakistan and abroad.
In addition to his successful career in fashion, Perwani has acted in Pakistani television dramas, debuting in Meray Paas Paas (2004-05).
His celebrity clientele includes Indian figures like Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi.
In November, he hosted a Diwali celebration attended by Pakistani celebrities such as Sanam Saeed, Sonya Hussyn, and Areeba Habib, both of whom faced criticism for participating in a non-Muslim festival but defended their choice as a step toward religious harmony and inclusivity.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com