Zakir Naik in Pakistan | ‘India’s worst export is spewing hatred’: Pak journalist
Naik, who is living in Malaysia, began a nearly month-long visit to Pakistan on October 1
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is facing several cases in India including alleged terror activities, is now on a month-long visit to Pakistan at the invitation of the government. And, Naik being treated as a “state guest” is drawing criticism within Pakistan.
Describing him as “India’s worst export”, Pakistani journalist Mubasher Lucman said Naik was “spewing hatred” in his speeches and should not be allowed to give public sermons.
Also read: Malaysia may mull India’s request on Zakir Naik’s extradition if evidence provided
“I am influenced by Muslim scholars and those scholars have only preached love, sharing and harmony. Every time I listen to Naik, I feel he is spewing hatred. Someone must have done something to him when he was very young and that is coming out now. He should not be allowed to give public sermons,” Lucman told India Today.
Pakistan PM praises Naik
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 2, Naik wrote that he interacted with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He also posted a picture of himself with Sharif.
Naik’s X account has been withheld in India.
"Islam is a religion of peace, and you are doing an important duty by spreading the true message of Islam among people," Sharif told Naik.
He said Naik's lectures are "highly insightful and impactful", and he has a significant following among young audiences, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
India condemns Pakistan
On October 4, India had described as “condemnable” the way Pakistan feted Naik but added that it was not “surprising”.
Naik, who is living in Malaysia, began a nearly month-long visit to Pakistan on October 1.
“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.
“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 added.
Naik's extradition request
Naik is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.
The Islamic preacher was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government led by Mahathir Mohamad.
Jaiswal said India's request for extradition to the Malaysian government is pending.
"We are pursuing the extradition with the Malaysian government," he said.
India is understood to have raised the issue during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to New Delhi in August.
To a question, Jaiswal said India was not clear on what passport Naik travelled to Pakistan.
(With agency inputs)
