Zakir Naik, the fugitive Islamic preacher, continues to draw significant criticism for his controversial remarks during his ongoing tour of Pakistan. Some of his staunch followers have even suggested that Islamabad made a “big mistake” by inviting him as a ‘state guest.’
On Tuesday, a video of Naik went viral on Pakistani social media, where he mocked Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for imposing excess baggage charges on him and his entourage.
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“I was coming to Pakistan with 1,000 kg of luggage,” Naik said during a lecture in Karachi. He recounted his conversation with the PIA CEO, who offered him a 50% discount on the excess baggage. “I told him I have 500 kg to 600 kg extra luggage and asked for a free waiver. In India, I am let off for free. Here, as a government guest, the CEO offers me a discount. I felt so disappointed.”
Public Outcry and Reactions
Naik’s remarks did not sit well with many Pakistanis, including some of his radical supporters. Pakistani content creator Saad Kaiser voiced his discontent, stating, “Whoever invited Zakir Naik, please don’t invite him again! No real Islamic preacher would ask for special treatment.”
Additionally, a Pakistani journalist questioned the government’s decision to host Naik, stating, “Is this the person the government invited as a state guest? He is bad-mouthing Pakistan and its national carrier. Who advised the government to host him?”
Some social media users praised PIA for not giving Naik special treatment. “PIA may be the fifth worst airline, but you made me proud for letting down Dr. Zakir Naik,” wrote Zoya in a post.
Naik’s Controversial Arrival
Since his arrival at Islamabad International Airport on September 30, Naik has faced backlash for various reasons. He made headlines shortly after for leaving a stage at an event for orphaned children and refusing to present awards to young girls. Sindh-based writer Zubair Soomro criticized him, stating, “How could such clerics objectify women sexually? He should see these girls as daughters.”
Moreover, Naik has attracted more controversy by rebuking a Pashtun girl who questioned him about the rising number of pedophiles in the country.
Continued Criticism
Absa Komal, a journalist with a leading Pakistani media house, expressed her frustration, saying, “This man thinks 13-14-year-old orphan girls are ‘khawateen’ and can’t share the stage with them. He publicly criticizes national airlines while making offensive remarks about women. Despite all this, he continues to gain followers.”
As Naik’s high-profile trip unfolds, it is clear that it is not going as the Pakistani establishment had hoped, despite providing him with state protocol and tight security.
