Fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik issued an apology on Friday, October 11, for his recent controversial remarks about Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The apology followed a wave of severe criticism directed at him across Pakistan. Naik, currently on a tour of Pakistan, has been at the center of several controversies during his visit.
The uproar began earlier this week when a video of Naik went viral on social media, where he ridiculed PIA for charging him excess baggage fees during his travel to Pakistan. In the video, Naik boasted about his interaction with PIA officials, including the CEO.
Naik’s Comments
“I was coming to Pakistan. Our luggage was 1000 kg. I spoke to the PIA CEO. The station manager told me that he would do anything for me. I replied, ‘I have 500 to 600 kg extra luggage.’ He offered me a 50 percent discount. I made it clear to him to give it for free or leave it,” Naik said during a lecture in Karachi.
1000 to 2000 kg Luggage
He further expressed disappointment by comparing the treatment he received in Pakistan to India, saying, “In India, they waive 1000 to 2000 kg on seeing me. And here, in Pakistan, where I am a guest of the government and ‘state guest’ is stamped on my visa, the CEO is offering me a 50 percent discount. I felt so disappointed. I told them I do not want your discount… this is the truth, this is the state of affairs in Pakistan.”
Naik’s comments triggered an immediate backlash from Pakistanis, including his supporters. Many criticized him for asking for special treatment and making his grievances public. A content creator on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Whoever invited Zakir Naik, please don’t invite him again! PIA should’ve asked for FULL price though. No real Islamic preacher would ever ask for special treatment—or at the very least, they wouldn’t complain about it in public when they don’t get it!”
Read: Zakir Naik Faces Backlash in Pakistan Over Controversial Remarks
Remarks About Women
Absa Komal, a journalist and gender equality advocate, also condemned Naik’s remarks, highlighting his problematic views on women and other sensitive issues. She wrote, “This man Zakir Naik thinks 13-14-year-old orphan girls are ‘khawateen’ (grown-ups), and he can’t share the stage with them. He publicly criticizes national airlines for denying luggage fee waiver and snubs a Pukhtun girl for asking a legit question about pedophilia. We as a nation are a MAGNET for arrogant people & women haters.”
Realizing the growing outrage, Naik issued a public apology during an event, stating, “If my words have caused discomfort to my Pakistani brothers, I sincerely apologize.” Despite this, he insisted that his ultimate goal was a “passport to paradise” rather than focusing on worldly matters.
However, Naik, who is wanted by Indian authorities for spreading religious hate and extremism, as well as for alleged money laundering, continues to face criticism for his divisive views. His arrival in Pakistan on September 30, accompanied by his son Sheikh Fariq Zakir, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has only added fuel to the fire.
Read: Dr. Zakir Naik’s Visit to Pakistan, His Remarks About Yazid
“Arogant, Outdated and Extremist”
One social media influencer summed up the public sentiment, writing on X, “We truly don’t deserve someone like Zakir Naik, an ignorant, outdated, and extremist person who wouldn’t even fit in the Stone Age. If he’s your ideal, lock yourself up, or even a glance at a na-mahram will send you to hell.”
As the backlash continues, Zakir Naik’s tour of Pakistan remains a subject of heated debate, with many questioning his presence and influence in the country.
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