A clip from the Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s last public talk related to his journey via Pakistan International Airlines flight has gone viral on social media, irking some social media users.
“I was coming [to Pakistan]. Our luggage was 1,000kg. I spoke to the PIA CEO. Station manager told me that he will do anything for me, I replied I have 500kg to 600kg extra luggage. He offered me 50% discount. I told him that I will bring four more people as it will get cheaper. I asked him to give free or leave it,” the Islamic preacher said while responding to a person’s query related to giving bribes at the Governor House in Karachi.
The person said that he had to give bribe even for legal work as it was difficult to get job done.
Dr Naik while explaining that avoiding doing such work that requires bribe and speak the truth. He shared his experience in the response.
“I rejected the offer. Any non-Muslim when they see me leaves me for free in India. This is India and leave 1,000kg to 2,000 while seeing Dr Zakir Naik. This is Pakistan. I am guest of the government and state guest is written on my visa. Your CEO is offering me 50% discount,” he said.
The Islamic added that the national flag carrier was charging 110 Malaysian Ringgit for per kg and he was “so hurt” that the PIA cannot grant 300kg for the state guest. “I don’t need your guest and bring four to six more people to allow my luggage. I am hurt to speak the truth, but this is Pakistan’s state.”
Dr Naik claimed that a Hindu believes that he would only speak truth. “Even today, Modi is wrong, but not India. He won’t be tomorrow. The kind of respect I get in India… People in Pakistan also like me.”
He compared Pakistan with India. “This is the state of the country. A guest is coming for shooting and bringing the luggage. I am so hurt. Money is nothing. We lament this is the state of Pakistan. A state I really love.”
Following the viral video of Dr Naik’s comments, social media users reacted with mixed responses.
Some criticised him for his comments, while others defended him, highlighting the importance of treating state guests with respect and dignity.
Dr Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on September 30 for a month-long tour that will include lectures in major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
This marks Naik’s first visit to Pakistan in thirty years; his last trip was in 1992 when he met with renowned scholar Dr Israr Ahmed in Lahore before returning to India.
Originally from India, Naik currently resides in Malaysia due to legal issues in his home country, which has sought his extradition in several cases.
