The Indian government has expressed concerns over the hospitality extended to fugitive preacher Zakir Naik during his recent stay in Pakistan.
According to Pakistani media reports, Naik met former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at their residence in Raiwind.
Reacting to his visit to Pakistan and the treatment he received in the neighbouring nation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “This is not the first time that he has been treated in Pakistan.”
“It shows the kind of approach his hosts have and what it means for us, and what it means in terms of giving so much support to a person who is wanted here,” he said.
Naik-Sharif Meeting
Naik and Nawaz Sharif discussed various issues during the meeting, The Express Tribune reported.
No official statement has been released regarding the points discussed by them during the meeting.
Hafeez Faces Online Criticisms
Recently, former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared images of his meeting with Naik that drew widespread online criticisms.
Sharing his pictures with Naik wrote: “Pleasure meeting with @drzakiranaik.”
The images triggered social media criticisms with one X user writing in the comment section: ” This is the one of the reasons why India cricket team and Indian government does want to come to Pakistan… He is fugitive from the indian police. [sic.]”
He was referring to the Indian team’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to play the recently held Champions Trophy in the South Asia country.
It was the first ICC event that Pakistan was hosting after a gap of 29 years.
India played all their matches and final in Dubai where it won the title.
Another social media user said: “And then all boards have a problem with India not visiting a Terrorist state have a team made up of terror apologists ..[sic.]”
A social media user wrote: “And they say India doesn’t play in Pakistan. When you welcome and cherish a designated terrorist then India will play in Pakistan? Well done @JayShah not sending Indian team to Pakistan. [sic.]”
Naik Visited Pakistan In 2024
Last year, Naik met Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to the country.
Sharif lauded him for spreading the teachings of the Holy Quran and promoting Islamic values worldwide.
He said the Muslim world was proud of him 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,” Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn News.
Zakir Naik faces charges of money laundering and hate speech in India.
