Zakir Naik, a fugitive Islamic preacher wanted in India for various charges, has ignited a firestorm of controversy during his ongoing tour of Pakistan. Once revered by many for his Islamic teachings, Naik’s remarks and actions during his trip have sparked outrage among Pakistanis, even among his most loyal followers.
The tipping point was a viral video in which Naik, while in Karachi, criticized Pakistan’s national airline, PIA, for refusing to waive excess baggage fees, contrasting this with what he claims is preferential treatment in India.
Read : Pakistan Trolled Over Empty Stand in Multan Test Against England Despite Free Entry
Zakir Naik’s visit, which was meant to bolster religious ties, has instead strained public opinion, with many Pakistanis demanding that he never be invited again. Let’s explore the controversy, the personality of Zakir Naik, and why Pakistanis are furious with him.
Who is Zakir Naik?
Zakir Naik is a renowned Islamic televangelist who gained fame through his debates on comparative religion, often focusing on Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. Born in Mumbai, India, in 1965, Naik studied medicine but shifted his career path toward preaching, forming the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
Read : Pakistani Man Sent to Mental Hospital for Trying to Open Gay Club
His controversial views on religion, women, and politics have made him a polarizing figure globally. Naik is also known for his Peace TV channel, which broadcasts religious content in various languages, reaching millions of viewers across the Muslim world.
However, Naik’s fame came with a price. His speeches, which are often inflammatory and derogatory towards other religions, have drawn criticism and led to accusations of spreading religious hate. In 2016, Naik fled India after Indian authorities began investigating him for promoting terrorism and money laundering.
His inflammatory speeches allegedly inspired terror activities, including a deadly attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh. India subsequently banned Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation and sought his extradition.
Naik, however, has found refuge in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency and continues to preach. His visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has only heightened the controversy surrounding his public persona.
Zakir Naik’s Praise for India in Pakistan: A Controversial Outburst
Zakir Naik’s current visit to Pakistan has not gone smoothly. Shortly after landing at Islamabad International Airport on September 30, he found himself in the middle of multiple controversies. His most incendiary remarks, however, came when he criticized Pakistan’s national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), for charging him excess baggage fees, despite his status as a “state guest.”
In a video that quickly went viral on Pakistani social media, Naik recounted how he had 1000 kg of luggage while traveling to Pakistan. He claimed that PIA’s CEO offered him a 50% discount on the excess baggage fee, but Naik demanded that the fee be waived entirely.
“In India, they waive 1000-2000 kg when they see me,” Naik said, referring to his past experiences. His frustration with Pakistan was evident as he stated, “I am a guest of the government, and ‘state guest’ is stamped on my visa. I felt so disappointed… this is the state of affairs in Pakistan.”
Naik’s comment that India, the country seeking his extradition, grants him special treatment while Pakistan—his host nation—does not, struck a nerve with Pakistanis. For many, it was an insult not just to the PIA but to the nation as a whole. The backlash was swift and fierce, with Pakistanis expressing outrage across social media platforms.
Saad Kaiser, a prominent Pakistani content creator, lambasted Naik for his entitled behavior, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “No real Islamic preacher would ever ask for special treatment—or at the very least, they wouldn’t complain about it in public when they don’t get it!”
Other Pakistanis echoed similar sentiments, with some even praising PIA for refusing to cave to Zakir Naik’s demands. Zoya, a Pakistani social media user, sarcastically remarked, “PIA you may be the 5th worst airline, but you made me proud for letting down Dr. Zakir Naik.”
Beyond social media, journalists and public figures have also criticized the Pakistani government for inviting Naik as a state guest. Absa Komal, a journalist for a leading Pakistani media outlet, pointed out the absurdity of inviting Naik and granting him special privileges.
“State should invite reasonable people, we already have plenty of these [people like Naik] roaming on the streets. Yeh Wrong Number Hai!” she exclaimed, expressing frustration with the government’s decision.
Outrage Over Naik’s Remarks on Orphaned Girls and Pedophilia
Zakir Naik’s criticism of PIA was only the beginning of his controversial visit to Pakistan. His actions during a charity event for orphaned children in Islamabad further incensed the public.
Naik refused to present awards to young orphaned girls, citing that they were “Na-Muharram,” or women with whom a man is not allowed to have close interaction in Islamic law. He left the stage, sparking outrage from Pakistani citizens who viewed his actions as objectifying and dehumanizing the girls.
Sindh-based writer Zubair Soomro was among those who condemned Naik’s actions. He expressed disbelief that Naik, who is revered as an Islamic scholar, could not see the young girls as innocent children in need of care and compassion.
“How could such clerics objectify women sexually? Why couldn’t he see these girls as daughters, with father-like love?” Soomro asked in a social media post.
Further fueling the controversy, Naik sparked another firestorm during a public lecture when he rebuked a Pashtun girl who questioned him about the increasing number of pedophiles in Pakistan.
Zakir Naik: There is no way an unmarried woman can be respected, if there are no single men available, she either has to marry an already married man to be respected or else she is public property.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 8, 2024
Congratulations Pakistan- You deserve him pic.twitter.com/CTt0taGiKZ
Naik’s dismissive response and refusal to engage in a meaningful discussion on the issue prompted sharp criticism from women’s rights activists and the general public alike. Absa Komal remarked that Naik’s remarks on pedophilia, combined with his earlier comments about orphaned girls, painted a disturbing picture of his views on women and children.
Naik’s comments about women who choose to remain unmarried rather than becoming second wives further ignited the public’s anger. According to Naik, such women are considered “public property,” a statement that many Pakistanis found deeply offensive and regressive.
Komal and other commentators criticized Naik’s rhetoric, calling for the Pakistani government to reconsider the types of figures they invite to speak on religious matters.
Pakistanis Demand Action: ‘Don’t Invite Him Again’
The public outcry following Zakir Naik’s controversial remarks and actions has been overwhelming. Many Pakistanis, including his once-loyal followers, are now questioning why the government extended an invitation to a man wanted for promoting hate and extremism.
Naik’s trip, which was intended to strengthen religious ties and offer spiritual guidance, has instead highlighted divisions within Pakistani society.
Prominent voices in Pakistan have called for Naik to never be invited again. As Saad Kaiser pointed out, no genuine religious leader would demand special treatment or air grievances in public over something as trivial as baggage fees.
The perception of Naik as an entitled figure who seeks preferential treatment has alienated many Pakistanis, who are now questioning the government’s decision to host him.
Zoya, the social media user who praised PIA for not bowing to Naik’s demands, summed up the sentiment of many Pakistanis. She wrote, “Whoever invited Zakir Naik, please don’t invite him again!” Her message resonates with a growing number of Pakistanis who are tired of the government giving platforms to controversial figures, especially those who demean the very nation they are invited to visit.
As the dust settles on Naik’s tumultuous visit, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan’s government will heed the calls of its people and reconsider inviting divisive figures like Naik in the future.
For now, the fugitive preacher has left behind a trail of outrage and disillusionment, leaving many Pakistanis to wonder why their government chose to host him in the first place.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏