Wanted Islamist Preacher Zakir Naik Lands In Pakistan, To Hold Public Gatherings In Multiple Cities
Islamist preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted by Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism, arrived in Pakistan on Monday. The controversial scholar who lives in Malaysia, reached the neighbouring country at an invitation conveyed by the government.
The radical preacher was received by several senior officials including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith and Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs.
He will stay in Pakistan till October 28 and will hold public gatherings in multiple cities, and lead Friday prayers, reported Geo News. He is also expected to meet senior government officials.
Naik announced his visit with his son Shaikh Fariq Naik in a social post on X.
According to the post, he will hold public talks in Karachi on October 5 and 6, Lahore on October 12 and 13, and Islamabad on October 19 and 20.
Naik is wanted by authorities in India for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.
Last month, during his visit to India, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim responded to a question on Naik's extradition saying his government is open to any ideas if evidence is submitted. He also said that the issue of Naik's extradition was not raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the talks between the two leaders.
"It was not raised by the prime minister. He did raise much earlier, many years back," Ibrahim said.
"We are open to any ideas and if evidence is submitted. We will not condone terrorism. But we have to produce a compelling case to support it. We have been tough. We've been working together with India on many of these issues against terrorism," he added.
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