Islamabad: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted on alleged money laundering charges, met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.
In a post on X, Zakir Naik said, “Interaction with Prime Ministers Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
Interaction with Prime Ministers
Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/LlIesTM2XO— Dr Zakir Naik (@drzakiranaik) October 2, 2024
Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on Monday morning, invited by the Pakistani government, under tight security for his lecture series in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
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He shared a video on X capturing his arrival at the airport, where dignitaries welcomed him with hugs and presented him with a bouquet.
Upon his arrival at the New Islamabad Airport, Zakir Naik was welcomed by senior leaders of the Pakistani government, including Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Youth Program, and Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, according to *The Express Tribune*.
The report also mentioned that Naik is scheduled for public engagements across the country, accompanied by his son, Fariq Naik, an Islamic scholar who will join him on the lecture tour. Official sources revealed that his month-long visit will include meetings with senior government officials and participation in various public events.
In a post on X, Zakir Naik’s team announced,” On the invitation of the Government of Pakistan Dr Zakir Naik & Shaikh Fariq Naik’s Pakistan Tour 2024 Public Talks: Karachi – 5th & 6th Oct Lahore – 12th & 13th Oct Islamabad – 19th & 20th Oct.”
On August 20, during a visit to India, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that if sufficient evidence is provided in the case involving fugitive hate preacher Zakir Naik, Malaysia will “not condone terrorism.”
Speaking at the 50th Sapru House Lecture, the Prime Minister remarked, “I am talking about sentiment of extremism, of compelling case, evidence that suggest that atrocities committed by an individual, group or factions or parties. These are of concern to us.”
Zakir Naik, known for his inflammatory speeches, is currently wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency in connection with a 2016 money laundering case. He is also accused of inciting people through hate speech. Naik operates a channel called PeaceTV, which is banned in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka due to its controversial content, and he has been denied entry to both Canada and the United Kingdom because of it.
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