Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, currently on a state visit to Pakistan, is facing significant backlash on social media due to remarks made during his speeches in various cities across the nation. His recent advice directed at single women seeking marriage has sparked considerable debate and criticism.
Social media users in Pakistan have expressed their discontent, with one commenter questioning, “Who invited him? Please refrain from inviting such uninformed individuals in the future.” Another user remarked, “Essentially, Pakistanis have summoned him to understand why he has been banned in India and other nations.” Naik, residing in Malaysia, commenced his nearly month-long visit to Pakistan last week and has since attracted attention online for his controversial statements.
‘Religiously extremist society’
“Zakir Naik comes across as exceedingly condescending while responding to a woman’s inquiry during his address in Pakistan. He even ACCUSED her of blasphemy in a society where such allegations can lead to mob violence. When will this individual depart from our country?” expressed another user on X, clearly frustrated by Naik’s sermons.
Another user, outraged by his comments regarding women, questioned, “Is he implying that any woman—single, divorced, or widowed—who chooses not to remarry is merely a public asset? What does that even signify? Can he not comprehend that some women may opt to remain single of their own volition? How can this individual be regarded as a respectable man, let alone a religious authority? He appears to possess a Talibani mindset.”
Naik expressed his frustration during his visit to Pakistan when the national airline declined to waive fees for excess baggage. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) allegedly offered him a 50 percent discount, which he declined. In a widely circulated video, Naik compared the situation in India to that in predominantly Muslim Pakistan, asserting that even a Hindu official in India would permit him to carry additional luggage without charge.
In response to the incident, one user on X remarked, “Who travels with 1000kg of luggage? And which religion promotes asking for special treatment? Perhaps he could have set a better example by paying for the extra weight like everyone else instead of seeking exemptions.”
Another user criticized Naik, stating, “If Zakir Naik had not gone to Pakistan, we might not have recognized that India was justified in banning his entry and his Peace TV channel. We often hastily label India as Islamophobic without considering their viewpoint on these issues.”
Last week, Naik reprimanded a Pashtun girl when questioned about pedophilia during one of his speeches. In response to inquiries regarding the deeply religious society and the topic of pedophilia during his sermon, Naik remarked, “This question is inappropriate, and you should apologize to God.” When further pressed, he added, “I will not respond and expect her to apologize first.”
Following the controversial preacher’s comments on pedophilia, another individual stated, “It took just one Pashtun woman, Palwasha from the remote regions of Lakki Marwat, to reveal a significant misogynist masquerading as a religious leader.” In a previous speech, Naik claimed that individuals residing in Pakistan have a greater likelihood of attaining ‘Jannat’ (paradise) compared to those in the United States, a statement that was criticized even by residents of Pakistan. A Pakistani national, sharing this sentiment, commented, “Zakir Naik is not only a charlatan but elevates absurdity to unprecedented levels… he is a disgrace.”
India recently condemned the manner in which Pakistan honored Naik, although it was deemed unsurprising. “We have seen reports indicating that he (Zakir Naik) has been celebrated in Pakistan. He has received a warm welcome there,” stated External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during his weekly media briefing. “It does not surprise us that an Indian fugitive has been accorded a high-level reception in Pakistan. While it is disappointing and condemnable, it is not unexpected,” he remarked.
