Dr. Zakir Naik, a renowned Islamic preacher and televangelist, has arrived in Pakistan for a month-long visit. His visit has sparked significant controversy due to his past statements and allegations of promoting hate speech and extremism.
Renowned Islamic scholar, Dr. Zakir Naik, has arrived in Pakistan for a month-long visit. He will be in the country until October 28, delivering speeches and meeting with top officials. Upon landing at Islamabad International Airport, Dr. Naik was warmly welcomed by key figures, including Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, and other officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Dr Zakir Naik will address public gatherings in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. He will be in Islamabad on Oct 19 and 20, Lahore on Oct 12 and 13, and Karachi on Oct 5 and 6. He will also lead Friday prayers and address congregations. The speeches are expected to cover religious teachings and community guidance, drawing large crowds eager to listen.
Dr. Naik is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of the government and will meet senior officials while participating in several public events. His son, Sheikh Farooq Naik, is accompanying him on this visit. Security has been heightened to ensure the scholar’s safe movements throughout the country.
Long Lost Desire
It should also be noted here that Dr. Zakir Naik had previously expressed his desire to come to Pakistan in a podcast with a Pakistani YouTuber. He said that he had also planned to visit Pakistan in 2020. However, his visit was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the interview, Dr Zakir Naik was asked why he did not migrate from India and come to Pakistan instead of Malaysia. Answering the question, he said that it was easy for him to go to Pakistan because people there knew him. He further said that if he wanted to go to Pakistan, he could have gone. However, the principle of Sharia law is that one should bear a small loss to avoid a big loss.
Naik has been criticized for his views on various topics, including religious conversion, terrorism, and the Quran. Several countries, including India, have accused him of promoting hate speech and inciting violence. However, Pakistan’s government has extended a welcome to Naik, despite international concerns.
