Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik criticised Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Offering a 50% discount instead of waiving fees for excess luggage when he was flying to Pakistan from Malaysia, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has attacked Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Naik, who is sought in India on allegations of hate speech and encouraging communal conflict, claimed a scenario like this would never arise in his own nation.
Naik arrived in Pakistan on October 1 and is meant to remain till October 28. He spoke these things to Karachi fans.
“Our luggage weighted around 1,000 kg when I arrived to Pakistan. I got in touch with PIA’s CEO. The station manager gave me his word of assurance: he would do everything necessary for me. He gave me a 50% discount when I informed him I had 500 to 600 kg of excess baggage and some six passengers going with me. Since it would become even more affordable, I informed him I would bring four additional people. I begged him to leave it or give it for free. I turned down the discount.”
The Mumbai-born preacher further said that non-Muslims would let him leave India for free when they saw him.
“This is India, where people happily waive 1,000 kg to 2,000 kg excess luggage seeing Dr Zakir Naik. However, I am a guest of the government and state visitor noted on my visa in Pakistan. And your (PIA) CEO is giving me 50% discount? he asked.
The dubious preacher also objected about the airlines charging him 101 Malaysian ringgit (Rs 2,137) for every kilogramme of excess luggage.
“I was so hurt that the PIA could not even let me carry 300 kg of extra baggage as a state guest,” he grumbled.
“I reject your discount offer. Though it pains me to express the truth, this is Pakistan’s current situation. Even in India, a Hindu would declare “Dr Naik will always speak the truth” upon seeing me.
India is not incorrect today; Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not wrong either. Though people in Pakistan also like me, I value what I receive in India.”
On social media, the comments of the Islamic preacher went viral and attracted countless troller and criticism.
One consumer objected to the PIA’s offer Naik a 50% discount despite significant losses. “The state need to choose its state visitors carefully. Such is the condition of affairs and policies of the state.
One social media user criticised him for “bad mouthing Pakistan and its national carrier,” while another fired a pot shot and said, “Pakistanis have greatly disappointed Zakir Naik. He will send Lanat on us if he visits our duty free at the airport; else, I hope he stays away.
Following the terror strikes in Dhaka, the Islamic preacher left India in 2016 after the National Investigation Agency opened a case against him. The activity of the anti-terrorism agency followed a confession of one of the assailants that he was swayed by Naik’s YouTube lectures.
Naik has been staying in Malaysia since then, where he keeps giving sermons and talks.
India has asked for his extradition; Malaysia is not yet responding. The Centre outlawed his Islamic Research Foundation, proclaimed him a fugitive, and withdrew his passport.
