Last Updated:
Controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was accorded a red carpet welcome by the Pakistani government. (Image: AFP)
Naik, who is living in Malaysia, began a nearly month-long visit to Pakistan earlier this month
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was left fuming during his Pakistan visit after the country’s national carrier refused to waive charges for extra baggage while he was travelling to the country.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) reportedly offered the fugitive preacher a 50 percent discount which he grudgingly refused. In a viral video, Naik drew a contrast between India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, saying even a Hindu officer would allow him to carry luggage for free.
“I spoke to the CEO of PIA. He said we can do anything for you doctor. Six of us were travelling: I said we had 500 or 600 kg extra luggage. He said we will give you 50 percent luggage. I said, if you want to give, give a 100 percent discount, otherwise forget about it. If anyone sees me in India, even a non-Muslim will let me in for free. This is India,” he added.
While speaking about the state of affairs in Pakistan, he said, “On my visa, it says that I am a state guest and the CEO of PIA says well give a 50 percent discount. They are charging so high, I felt so sad that Dr. Zakir Naik is coming to the country. I don’t want you discount.”
Global Muslim Solidarity took a big hit when PIA asked Zakir Naik to pay for extra luggageThese guys fight over petty stuff & want everyone to believe “ham sab ek hai”
Fact: 5% Syed won’t let 85% Pasmanda even close .. pic.twitter.com/0JZX4PXMe7
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 7, 2024
‘This is a wrong question’
Naik, who is living in Malaysia, began a nearly month-long visit to Pakistan last week. Known for making preposterous claims, Naik on Sunday chided a Pashtun girl when he was asked about pedophilia during one of his speeches. When asked about hardcore religious society and the issue of pedophilia during one of his sermons, Naik said, “This is a wrong question and you should say sorry to God. When pressed further, he said, “I wouldn’t reply and wanted her to say sorry first.”
During one of his speeches, Naik earlier also claimed that those residing in Pakistan have a better chance of going to ‘Jannat’ (paradise), than those living in the United States, a statement condemned by even those living in Pakistan. Reposting the same, a Pakistani national wrote, “This man Zakir Naik is not only a fraudster but takes ridiculousness to a whole new level… he’s a disgrace.”
As Naik made waves on social media for his comments, top government sources told CNN-News18 that Naik is trying not only to insult India but also Indian religious figures.” “Now the onus is on the Pakistan government to stop him so that the sentiments of any Indian and Hindus staying in Pakistan is not affected,” the sources said.
‘Doing deliberately insult’
The sources said that controversial Islamic preacher is brought to Pakistan with a defined agenda and motive only to insult Hindus. “India is very clear that Pakistan is doing this insult deliberately and we will definitely take this agenda in related forums,” it added.
India last week had described as “condemnable” the way Pakistan feted Naik but added that it was not “surprising”. “We have seen reports that he (Zakir Naik) has been feted in Pakistan. He has been warmly welcomed there,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing. “It is not surprising for us that an Indian fugitive has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is something which is disappointing and condemnable but at the same time it is not surprising,” he said.
