Zakir Naik, Controversial Islamic Preacher, Meets Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed controversial islamic preacher Zakir Naik, as the latter is on a state visit to the country.

Upon meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Zakir Naik said Pakistan is a separate country and was established on the foundation of religion. “We want Pakistan to follow Quran and Hadith. My years long dream has been fulfilled, Allah has fulfilled my wish…” he said.

“Before this, I had come to Pakistan once 33 years ago, that was my personal visit, then I did not talk about it. I thank the Government of Pakistan for giving me the opportunity to come here. I got the maximum number of invitations from Pakistan. When I announced that I am from Pakistan, I got many invitations for lectures,” he added.

“Quran is the most positive book and if you follow it, you will get success. I will be in Pakistan for the coming few weeks,” Zakir Naik said.

'Malaysia indicates India's request on Zakir Naik can be considered if…'

In August this year, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated that his government may consider India's request to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik if it provides evidence against him.

At an interactive session at the Indian Council of World Affairs, Ibrahim also said that the issue shouldn't deter the two countries from enhancing bilateral relations.

To a specific question, he said the issue was not raised by the Indian side during talks.

Why Zakir Naik is wanted in India?

Zakir Naik is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.

The Islamic preacher was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government led by Mahathir Mohamed.

"Firstly, it was not raised by the (Indian side), Prime Minister ( Narendra Modi ) did raise it much earlier, some years back...But the issue is I am not talking about one person, I am talking about the sentiment of extremism, of a compelling case and evidence that suggest the atrocities committed by an individual or group or faction or parties," Ibrahim said.

The Malaysian prime minister said his government is "open to any ideas and evidence submitted".

With inputs from PTI