India’s most wanted and controversial Islamic preacher, Dr. Zakir Naik, has arrived in Pakistan for a month-long visit, sparking intense debate across both nations. According to a report by Pakistani media outlet The Dawn, Naik, who is accused of inciting extremism and money laundering in India, was greeted with a red-carpet welcome and full-proof security provided by the Pakistani government.
This is Naik’s first visit to Pakistan in nearly three decades. His last known trip to the country was in 1992, when he met with prominent religious scholar Dr. Israr Ahmed in Lahore before returning to India. His current visit will include delivering a series of lectures across major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Naik posted a video showcasing the heavy security presence around him. He was received by officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Prime Minister’s aide, Rana Mashhood. He also reportedly met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, although details of their meeting have not been disclosed.
Naik’s public engagements during his Pakistan tour will begin with a lecture in Karachi on October 5, followed by events in Lahore on October 12 and Islamabad on October 19. In addition to these public speeches, he is expected to meet senior government officials and participate in various engagements until his visit concludes on October 28, according to sources quoted by The Dawn.
Dr. Zakir Naik has been a highly controversial figure in India, where he is wanted on charges of money laundering and inciting extremism through his provocative speeches. The preacher fled India in 2016 and has since been residing in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency by the government of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Despite multiple extradition requests from India, Malaysia has so far refused to comply.
However, during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi last month, he hinted that Malaysia may consider India’s request to extradite Naik if credible evidence is provided. This statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing saga surrounding Naik’s international movements and his contested status as a fugitive.
Naik’s presence in Pakistan and the warm reception he received have reignited tensions, especially as India continues to push for his extradition. His lectures in Pakistan are expected to draw significant public attention, further intensifying the already volatile relations between the two neighboring nations.
