Zakir Naik’s Controversial Visit to Pakistan, Public Outrage and Diplomatic Tensions with India
Zakir Naik, a controversial Islamic preacher and televangelist, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his radical views and inflammatory statements, Naik has faced widespread criticism across the globe. His latest appearance in Pakistan, however, has reignited debates over his stance on various sensitive topics and his role in stoking tensions between India and Pakistan. A viral video of his interaction with a young Pashtun girl at the Governor House in Karachi has particularly drawn backlash, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding him.
In the video, the girl, addressing Naik during a public speech, asked him how to deal with pressing issues such as drug addiction, adultery, and paedophilia, particularly in what she referred to as a “highly Islamic society.” Naik, rather than acknowledging the gravity of her question, immediately challenged the premise, arguing that an Islamic society could not harbor paedophiles. He insisted that either the claim that the society was Islamic was flawed, or the existence of paedophiles was false. Furthermore, Naik demanded that the girl apologize for what he perceived as a wrong question. When the girl attempted to clarify her point, he interrupted her, refusing to engage unless she admitted her question was flawed.
Naik’s dismissive approach to such serious issues as drug addiction, adultery, and paedophilia drew sharp criticism, both from within Pakistan and from a broader international audience. Social media was ablaze with outrage, with many accusing Naik of gaslighting the girl by shifting the focus away from the problem at hand and instead questioning her understanding of what constitutes an Islamic society. Critics argued that rather than demand an apology, Naik could have fostered a more constructive dialogue by asking her to clarify her concerns, thus addressing the critical issues she raised.
This incident has added to Zakir Naik’s already extensive list of controversies. He is no stranger to inflammatory rhetoric, and his statements have often been at the center of public outrage. His recent comment claiming that people in Pakistan have a higher likelihood of going to heaven further intensified frustration, especially among those who feel Naik’s views perpetuate divisiveness and superiority based on religion. Additionally, Zakir Naik was mocked on social media for complaining about Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) charging him for excess baggage during his travels—a trivial complaint that struck many as out of touch given the numerous serious allegations he faces.
However, Zakir Naik’s presence in Pakistan has also sparked political controversy, especially regarding relations between India and Pakistan. Naik has been a wanted man in India since 2016, when he fled the country after facing multiple accusations, including promoting radicalism and hate speech. His Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was banned by the Indian government for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups, and his television channel, Peace TV, has been blocked in several countries, including India, for broadcasting content that was deemed to incite hatred.
Zakir Naik is also embroiled in financial scandals, including accusations of money laundering. The Indian government has pursued legal action against him, and several arrest warrants have been issued. However, Zakir Naik has found refuge in Malaysia, where he has continued his preaching under the protection of the government. Despite pressure from India to extradite him, Malaysia has declined to do so, allowing Naik to maintain a platform for his teachings.
His visit to Pakistan, however, is seen by many as a provocative move by the Pakistani government, especially in light of the current strained relations between the two countries. Since the 2017 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, India and Pakistan have cut off most formal bilateral engagements. The timing of Naik’s visit to Pakistan is significant—it comes on the heels of a particularly heated exchange between Indian and Pakistani representatives at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the UNGA, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, a long-standing point of contention between the two nations.
Many experts believe that Pakistan’s decision to host Zakir Naik—a figure who is banned in multiple countries for promoting hate speech—is a deliberate move to irritate India. By extending a platform to someone like Naik, Pakistan may be signaling its willingness to embrace religious extremism, despite widespread international disapproval. This could be seen as a strategic maneuver to further strain its already fragile relationship with India. Naik’s presence in Pakistan may provide India with additional reasons to accuse Pakistan of harboring and endorsing individuals who engage in divisive and radical rhetoric.
Moreover, Zakir Naik’s influence as a preacher remains significant in many Islamic communities, despite the controversies surrounding him. His sermons, often delivered in English, appeal to a wide audience, and his ability to mix religious interpretations with contemporary social issues has earned him a dedicated following. However, it is precisely this influence that has also made him a dangerous figure in the eyes of many governments, particularly in India, where communal tensions have historically been volatile.
For India, Zakir Naik’s presence in Pakistan reinforces the narrative that Pakistan continues to provide sanctuary to individuals who are considered threats to India’s national security. For Pakistan, Naik’s visit might be a move aimed at consolidating support among hardline religious factions within the country. However, this comes at the cost of international reputation, as hosting such a controversial figure only adds to Pakistan’s perception as a nation that tolerates, if not promotes, religious extremism.
In summary, Zakir Naik’s controversial speech in Karachi has not only reignited public outrage but has also complicated the already fraught political relationship between India and Pakistan. His presence in Pakistan serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and challenges in addressing extremism, both within Islamic societies and in international diplomacy.