Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has sparked a wave of criticism and tension during his recent visit to Pakistan, a country he has not visited in over three decades. Naik, who is wanted in India on charges of money laundering and promoting hate speech, was invited by the Pakistani government for a month-long lecture series across major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Naik's visit has been marked by several contentious incidents, one of which occurred at an event hosted by the Pakistan Sweet Home Foundation, an institution for orphans. During the event, Naik was invited to present awards to young orphan girls. However, he abruptly left the stage when the host referred to the girls as 'daughters', citing that it was inappropriate to call them so because they were considered 'non-mahrams' individuals who are eligible for marriage and not related to him by blood or marriage.
Naik's actions were widely criticized on social media, with many labeling his behavior as 'peak misogyny'. Lawyer Saria Benazir and noted economist Yousuf Nazar were among those who condemned Naik's stance, with Nazar stating that Pakistan does not need more fundamentalists like Naik. Journalist Abbas Nasir also criticized the government for inviting Naik, calling the move a desperate attempt for legitimacy.
Diplomatic Tensions with India
Naik's visit to Pakistan has also exacerbated diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India. India has long accused Naik of promoting radical views and has been seeking his extradition since he fled the country in 2016. The Indian government has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan's decision to welcome Naik, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warning at the United Nations General Assembly that Pakistan's support for such figures will have consequences.
The strained relations between the two nations were further highlighted during the UNGA meeting, where Jaishankar criticized Pakistan's cross-border terrorism policy and accused Islamabad of escalating tensions in Kashmir. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech at the UNGA, which linked Kashmir to Palestine and accused India of a colonial settlement project, was also met with strong opposition from India.
Naik's Background and Controversies
Zakir Naik, known for his inflammatory speeches, has been banned from several countries including India, Bangladesh, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is the founder of Peace TV, a channel that has been accused of promoting hate speeches and has been banned in India. Naik has been living in Malaysia since 2016, after Indian authorities launched an investigation against him for alleged money laundering and terror-linked activities.
Naik's lectures often assert that Islam is the only true religion and criticize other faiths as well as non-Wahhabi Islamic sects such as Shias, Sufis, and Barelvis. His speeches have been linked to radicalization, with one notable incident being the 2016 Dhaka cafe attack, where one of the attackers was inspired by Naik's sermons.
During his current visit, Naik has continued to court controversy, including a statement that dressing modestly prevents sexual harassment, which was widely criticized as a form of rape apologia.
The reception of Naik in Pakistan, particularly his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has been seen as a move that could further strain relations with India and has been criticized by many within Pakistan as well.
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