Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik has issued an apology for remarks he made regarding Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during his ongoing visit to Pakistan. Acknowledging the discomfort his comments caused, Dr. Naik clarified that his intentions were rooted in promoting peace between India and Pakistan.
At a recent event, Dr. Naik shared a conversation he had with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who urged him to overlook the incident involving PIA. Reflecting on this, Dr. Naik realized the impact of his remarks and noted the social media backlash that followed.
“I do not wish to foster any animosity between Indian and Pakistani brothers,” he said, drawing a comparison to the divisions created during British colonial rule. Dr. Naik is currently wanted in India on multiple charges, including terror funding, money laundering, and hate speech.
The controversy began when Dr. Naik expressed disappointment with PIA over their handling of his luggage during his travel to Pakistan. He had criticized the airline for offering him only a 50% discount on excess baggage fees, stating that he was “hurt” by what he perceived as a lack of hospitality, especially as a state guest. Dr. Naik contrasted this with his experiences in India, where he claimed he would have been allowed to travel with greater excess luggage without any additional charge.
In his apology, Dr. Naik reiterated his commitment to peace and harmony, saying, “If my words have caused discomfort to my Pakistani brothers, I sincerely apologise.” He emphasized that his ultimate goal is to attain a “passport to paradise” rather than focusing on material concerns.
The preacher’s comments had sparked criticism on social media, with many accusing him of having a sense of entitlement. Despite the backlash, Dr. Naik expressed his continued dedication to promoting unity and peace during his visit.
Dr. Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on September 30 for a month-long lecture tour, with plans to speak in major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. This marks his first trip to Pakistan in 30 years, his last visit being in 1992 when he met renowned scholar Dr. Israr Ahmed in Lahore.
