The decision by the Pakistani establishment to host controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik as a state guest has ignited a firestorm of backlash, revealing both the absurdity of his remarks and the broader implications of his presence. Naik, a fugitive wanted in India for inciting extremism and money laundering, has become a source of ridicule rather than reverence, with his outlandish statements on topics like women’s rights, paedophilia, and even airline baggage fees making him the target of social media trolls.
Currently on a month-long tour across major Pakistani cities, Naik’s lectures have prompted widespread confusion and concern. His claim that “a Muslim can never commit sexual abuse against children” when challenged by a young woman addressing the issue of paedophilia not only dismissed a serious concern but also bordered on the patronizing. Such exchanges have led many to question his credibility as a religious leader, with some even likening his sermons to those of a stand-up comedian rather than a serious scholar.
Naik’s complaints about Pakistan International Airlines not waiving fees for his excessive luggage added another layer of absurdity to his visit. He recounted a conversation where he was offered a mere 50% discount, mockingly suggesting that he could bring more people to reduce the cost further. This trivialization of an airline’s policy seemed to reflect a disconnect with the realities faced by ordinary Pakistanis.
His remarks have not gone unnoticed on social media, with users expressing outrage over his dismissive attitude towards women and his bizarre assertions about the moral superiority of life in Pakistan compared to the United States. One user pointed out the troubling implications of his statement that living in Pakistan increases one’s chances of reaching ‘Jannat’ (paradise) compared to the U.S., sarcastically noting the prevalence of terrorism in the region.
The overall reception of Naik’s visit has led many to question the wisdom of inviting such a polarizing figure. As one social media user succinctly put it, “Who invited him? Please don’t invite such illiterate people next time.” This sentiment underscores a broader concern about the impact of hosting figures who have been banned in multiple countries for their extremist views.
In the end, Naik’s visit seems to have backfired spectacularly, turning into a spectacle of ridicule rather than reverence. As Pakistanis grapple with the fallout from his comments, one thing is clear: inviting controversial figures in an attempt to provoke rival nations often results in more embarrassment than benefit.
