This was revealed by a social media user on Twitter, where he shared the photo of the poet with his books to bring his plight to the people's attention.
Responding to the post, many people pledged to help the ailing poet and asked for details. While some questioned the government's apathy towards its 'literary assets' and urged it to take care of the poet's medical expenses.
According to the report, the poet said he had to make an appeal to culture directorate, Public Archives Library Peshawar, Bacha Khan Markaz, Pashto Academy University of Peshawar, Islamia College University, Bacha Khan University Charasadda, Malakand University, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, the Academy of Letters Islamabad and literary figures to purchase his books.
The poet has a collection of around 6,000 rare Pashto books that he was supposed to sell, but his chronic illness hampered his plan. Akmal Lewanay, 74, a noted Pashto poet, widely known as a mobile bookseller, has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for several years. He had undergone surgery last year, but has been bedridden ever since.
Moreover, the poet has three Pashto poetry collections including Lewantob, Chapawoona, and Tortam to his credit and has been awarded several literary awards.