Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik arrived in Karachi on a private airline flight, accompanied by his son Sheikh Farooq Naik, on Wednesday. Upon arrival at the airport, Maulana Farhan Naeem, the deputy director of Jamia Binoria Alamia, welcomed him.
Dr Naik’s visit to Pakistan has been in the works for some time and he recently confirmed his travel plans. During his stay in Karachi, he is set to deliver lectures on various religious topics, with all preparations already completed for these events.
After departing from the airport, Dr Naik proceeded to the Governor’s House, where he received a warm welcome.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori presented the Islamic preacer with a bouquet. The governor presided over a security meeting to discuss security arrangements related to Dr Naik’s visit.
Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, DIG South, and DIG Traffic attended the meeting. During the meeting, security arrangements for the scholar’s arrival were reviewed, and relevant officials briefed the governor on the security measures in place.
Tessori emphasized the need for effective and coordinated security arrangements for the religious gathering at the Governor’s House and instructed that a comprehensive plan be developed to ensure smooth traffic flow. He further stressed that foolproof security is essential to handle any untoward incidents.
Before his arrival in Karachi, he expressed his eagerness to visit Pakistan, stating: “I have wanted to come to Pakistan for a long time. I have received the most invitations to speak from Pakistan.”
He also mentioned that he plans to meet with religious scholars during his stay, emphasising that the Quran is the ultimate guide for Muslims. “The Quran should be read with translation,” he noted.
Dr Naik described the “Quran as a book of peace for the entire world,” asserting that it provides comprehensive guidance for all matters. He indicated that he intends to stay in Pakistan for three to four weeks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of religious scholar Dr Zakir Naik for spreading the teachings of the Holy Quran and promoting Islamic values worldwide.
He welcomed Dr Naik, expressing admiration for his work and saying that he personally benefitted from his lectures.
He said the entire Muslim world was proud of Dr Naik for projecting the real image of Islam across the world. “It is heartening to note that a vast majority of youth listened to his lectures,” the PM said.
Dr Naik said that Pakistan was the only country in the world which was founded on Islamic principles.
“Islam is the religion that offers comprehensive guidance to the whole of humanity, encompassing every aspect of their lives,” he said. The scholar reiterated his commitment to spreading the message of Islam globally, saying: “Success lies in following Islamic teachings”.
While recalling that he had last visited Pakistan in 1991, he said he still had fond memories of that tour. Dr Naik said that he would also visit Karachi and Lahore as part of his lecture tour.
“The Quran is the most positive book in the world and is the future world constitution,” he said.
