Pakistan Scribe Calls Controversial Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik India's 'Worst Export'

Pakistan's decision to extend a red-carpet welcome to the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India on terror-related and money laundering charges, has faced criticism from within the neighbouring country.

Pakistani journalist Mubasher Lucman labelled Naik as "India's worst export", asserting that the preacher should not be permitted to deliver public sermons or incite hatred.

Naik arrived in Pakistan on October 1 as a state guest and is set to remain there until 28th October. Naik, who has been living in exile since 2016, fled India after being accused of promoting hatred and money laundering.

While speaking to India Today, Lucman questioned the Pakistan's government's decision to invite Naik as a "state guest", a status typically reserved for foreign dignitaries and high-profile leaders.

"I am influenced by Muslim scholars, and they have always preached love, sharing, and harmony. Every time I listen to Naik, it feels as though he is spreading hatred. Something must have happened to him when he was very young, and now it's coming out. He should not be allowed to give public sermons," Lucman remarked.

Naik's visit to Pakistan, along with images of him being warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has not been well-received in India, which expressed its disapproval, branding it as "condemnable."

"It is not surprising to us that an Indian fugitive has been given a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is disappointing and condemnable, but not surprising," the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

Born in Mumbai, Zakir Naik has been residing in Malaysia since fleeing India. His Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) has been banned in India.