The social media account of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on the platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) has been blocked in India. This action followed after India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Pakistan for welcoming Naik, who is currently on a month-long visit to the country.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed disappointment over Naik’s warm reception in Pakistan but stated it was not surprising. He added that Naik, an Indian fugitive, being welcomed in Pakistan was both “condemnable” and expected.
Red Carpet Welcome
Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan at the government’s invitation and was given a red-carpet welcome. He also met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. During his stay, Naik will deliver public speeches in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Naik is wanted by Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and promoting extremism through his speeches. He has been living in Malaysia since 2016 after legal cases were initiated against him. His name surfaced after one of the attackers in the 2016 Dhaka terror incident claimed to be influenced by his online sermons.
