Salman Rushdie spots 'Gaddafi' in Pakistan, Imran Khan fumes

New Delhi, Mar 18: The controversial writer Salman Rushdie might be the first person in spotting similarities between Pakistan minister and former Cricketer Imran Khan and the slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The writer of Satanic Verses during his speech in India Today conclave claimed, Have you noticed the physical resemblance between Imran and Qaddafi? Could cast as a slightly better-looking Qaddafi."

Meanwhile, Rushdie also claimed that Imran Khan restrained himself from the conclave as he (Imran Khan) had fears of being unable to handle his (Rushdie's) 'bouncers'.

After the confirmation of Rushdie's presence in the conclave, Imran Khan, who was supposed to attend the India Today conclave in Delhi, decided not to attend the meeting. Khan accused Rushdie of hurting Muslims over his book - Satanic Verses.

Rushdie discussed about Khan's way of life during his (Khan's) young carefree days. The writer said, "I would place a substantial bet that he has not read it (Satanic Verses). When Imran was a playboy in London, he was called 'Im the dim'."

"In our time, essential freedoms are in danger of society. In India also, not just egalitarian states. Public apathy is also damaging," said Rushdie while expressing view that freedom of speech and expression has been hurt in India and in other parts of the world.

OneIndia News