In a highly significant and controversial development, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Thursday, sparking widespread discussions on both national and international platforms. The meeting, which took place during Naik’s month-long visit to Pakistan, marked a pivotal moment for the preacher, who has been wanted by Indian authorities since 2016. Despite the allegations of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, Naik received praise from the Pakistani leader for his “insightful and impactful” lectures.
Zakir Naik, who has been living in Malaysia since he fled India, expressed his appreciation for the reception he received in Pakistan. The meeting between the two prominent figures also signaled a deeper connection, with Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the positive impact of Naik’s lectures on Islamic teachings.
Zakir Naik’s Meeting with Shehbaz Sharif
The key meeting between PAK PM Shehbaz Sharif and Zakir Naik has raised eyebrows due to Naik’s controversial past. Wanted by India for alleged money laundering and inciting violence through his speeches, Naik’s presence in Pakistan has drawn international attention. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif openly lauded Naik’s work in spreading Islamic teachings, calling his lectures “insightful and impactful,” particularly among younger generations.
The meeting was highlighted by Zakir Naik himself, who took to social media to share a picture with Shehbaz Sharif, quoting the prime minister’s words: “Islam is a religion of peace, and you are doing an important duty by spreading the true message of Islam among people.”
Shehbaz Sharif’s Praise for Zakir Naik
Shehbaz Sharif was effusive in his praise for Zakir Naik during their conversation. According to reports from state-run Radio Pakistan, Sharif acknowledged the preacher’s vast following, especially among the youth. He credited Naik’s lectures for their ability to connect with younger audiences and emphasized that Naik’s influence in promoting Islamic values had been profound.
The PAK PM meets Zakir Naik at a time when regional tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, particularly in light of India’s repeated requests for Naik’s extradition. However, Pakistan’s embrace of Naik during this high-profile visit indicates a clear stance, with the Pakistani leadership commending his work and inviting him to deliver lectures in several major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
A Return to Pakistan After Three Decades
This marks Zakir Naik’s first visit to Pakistan in 30 years, the last being in 1992. His return has been viewed by some as a strategic move by the Pakistani government to promote Islamic scholarship, while others see it as a defiance of India’s long-standing efforts to bring Naik to justice for the charges against him. Naik, who fled India in 2016, has been a permanent resident of Malaysia, where the government under Mahathir Mohamed granted him refuge.
Naik’s month-long tour in Pakistan includes scheduled lectures in various cities, which are expected to attract significant attention due to his controversial past and the legal battles he faces in India.
Controversies Surrounding Zakir Naik
The figure at the center of this meeting, Zakir Naik, remains a divisive figure globally. Indian authorities have accused him of money laundering and promoting extremism through his public speeches, which they claim incite violence and radicalization. Naik, however, has consistently denied these allegations, stating that his speeches are focused on promoting peace and understanding in line with Islamic teachings.
India has repeatedly sought Naik’s extradition from Malaysia, but its efforts have yet to bear fruit. Most recently, during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India, there were discussions about the possibility of extraditing Naik, provided sufficient evidence was presented. However, as of now, Malaysia has not acted on India’s requests.
Naik’s controversial sermons have been scrutinized by several countries, including India and Bangladesh, where his Peace TV channel was banned for allegedly promoting terrorism. Despite these allegations, Naik has maintained a loyal following, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, where his teachings are viewed as educational and insightful by many.
The Larger Implications of the Meeting
The fact that the PAK PM meets Zakir Naik has larger geopolitical implications. It underscores Pakistan’s willingness to stand by a figure who has been at the center of significant controversy. This may strain relations further with India, which has long lobbied for Naik’s return to face charges in Indian courts.
At the same time, Naik’s presence in Pakistan is likely to boost his standing among his followers, who see him as a champion of Islamic values. His upcoming lectures in major Pakistani cities are expected to draw large crowds, further elevating his profile despite the serious charges he faces abroad.
Conclusion
The meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Zakir Naik has opened up a new chapter in the already complex relationship between Pakistan and India. While Naik continues to face legal challenges in India, his warm reception in Pakistan underscores the preacher’s enduring influence in the Islamic world. As Naik embarks on his lecture tour across Pakistan, the implications of this visit will likely reverberate far beyond its borders.
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