Zakir Naik , a controversial Islamic preacher currently in Pakistan , is facing criticism following a contentious interaction during a speech at the Governor House in Karachi. In a widely circulated video, a Pashtun girl asked Naik how to address serious issues like drug addiction , adultery, and paedophilia in what she referred to as a highly Islamic society . Naik responded by questioning the premise of her question, stating that an Islamic society could not have paedophiles, and insisted that her question was wrong, demanding an apology.
When the girl attempted to clarify her point, Naik interrupted, maintaining that either the claim of an Islamic society was incorrect, or the existence of paedophilia was false. He refused to continue the conversation until she admitted her question was wrong. This led to widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing Naik of gaslighting the girl and failing to address the important issues she raised. Critics suggested that instead of demanding an apology, Naik could have asked her to clarify her concerns.
The backlash adds to Naik’s existing controversies, including his recent statement claiming that people in Pakistan have a higher likelihood of going to heaven. His remarks continue to draw increasing frustration, particularly given his history of inflammatory statements. Naik was also mocked on social media for complaining about Pakistan International Airlines charging him for extra baggage.
Why is Zakir Naik wanted in India?
His visit is seen by many as a potential move by the Pakistani government to provoke India, which has cut off bilateral relations with Pakistan since the 2017 Uri and 2019 Pulwama terror attacks. The timing of Naik’s visit comes shortly after heated exchanges between India and Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly condemned Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
Experts suggest that Pakistan’s decision to host Naik, a figure banned in multiple countries for promoting hate speech , signals its willingness to embrace religious extremism despite global disapproval. Some view this as a tactic to further strain relations with India. While Naik’s presence in Pakistan may stoke tensions, it also gives India additional grounds to emphasise Pakistan’s continued sheltering of anti-India elements.
Naik, who has been living in Malaysia since 2016, has been accused of promoting radical views and inciting hatred. His channel, Peace TV , and his organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), have both been banned in India for their involvement in money laundering and promoting enmity between different religious groups.
Zakir Naik, the most famous Muslim scholar in South Asia, gaslights a Pashtun girl when she questions the collapse of society caused by religious extremism.
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) October 6, 2024
pic.twitter.com/zxEoPeTeZE
When the girl attempted to clarify her point, Naik interrupted, maintaining that either the claim of an Islamic society was incorrect, or the existence of paedophilia was false. He refused to continue the conversation until she admitted her question was wrong. This led to widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing Naik of gaslighting the girl and failing to address the important issues she raised. Critics suggested that instead of demanding an apology, Naik could have asked her to clarify her concerns.
The backlash adds to Naik’s existing controversies, including his recent statement claiming that people in Pakistan have a higher likelihood of going to heaven. His remarks continue to draw increasing frustration, particularly given his history of inflammatory statements. Naik was also mocked on social media for complaining about Pakistan International Airlines charging him for extra baggage.
Zakir Naik is such a kanjad, PIA asked him to pay 50% for 300 kgs excess luggage and suddenly he started missing India.
— औरंगज़ेब 🇮🇳 (@__phoenix_fire_) October 7, 2024
Pure Gold 😂 pic.twitter.com/Nx157BJthn
Why is Zakir Naik wanted in India?
His visit is seen by many as a potential move by the Pakistani government to provoke India, which has cut off bilateral relations with Pakistan since the 2017 Uri and 2019 Pulwama terror attacks. The timing of Naik’s visit comes shortly after heated exchanges between India and Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly condemned Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
Experts suggest that Pakistan’s decision to host Naik, a figure banned in multiple countries for promoting hate speech , signals its willingness to embrace religious extremism despite global disapproval. Some view this as a tactic to further strain relations with India. While Naik’s presence in Pakistan may stoke tensions, it also gives India additional grounds to emphasise Pakistan’s continued sheltering of anti-India elements.
Naik, who has been living in Malaysia since 2016, has been accused of promoting radical views and inciting hatred. His channel, Peace TV , and his organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), have both been banned in India for their involvement in money laundering and promoting enmity between different religious groups.
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