Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, currently wanted in India on charges of hate speech, has criticized Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for charging him extra for overweight baggage during his recent travel from Malaysia to Pakistan. Naik, who arrived in Pakistan on October 1 for a month-long stay, expressed disappointment that the airline offered only a 50% discount on the extra luggage instead of waiving the charges entirely.
Remarks During Address in Karachi
During an address in Karachi, Naik recounted his experience with PIA. “While I was coming to Pakistan, our baggage weighed about 1,000 kg. I spoke to the CEO of PIA. The station manager assured me they would do anything for me, but when I mentioned 500 to 600 kg of extra luggage, he offered me a 50 per cent discount. I told him I would bring four more people since it would become cheaper. I asked them to waive the charges or leave it. I rejected the discount,” Naik said.
Comparison with India
Naik further compared his experience in Pakistan with how he claims to be treated in India. “In India, when people see me, even non-Muslims, they let me go for free. But in Pakistan, where I’m a guest of the government with ‘state guest’ written on my visa, your PIA CEO offers me a 50 per cent discount?” he questioned.
He also expressed frustration over the additional charges, revealing that PIA charged him 101 Malaysian ringgit (approximately Rs 2,137) per kilogram of extra baggage. “I was so hurt that PIA couldn’t even allow me to carry 300 kg of extra baggage as a state guest,” he lamented.
Social Media Backlash
Naik’s remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing criticism from users. Many defended PIA’s decision to charge for the excess baggage, especially given the airline’s financial challenges. One user remarked, “The state should choose state guests wisely. This is the state of affairs and the affairs of the state.”
Others criticized Naik for “bad-mouthing” Pakistan and its national carrier, with some sarcastically noting, “I hope he doesn’t visit our duty-free shops, or he’ll send ‘lanat’ (curses) on us.”
Fleeing India and Current Status
Zakir Naik fled India in 2016 after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a case against him in connection with the Dhaka terror attacks. One of the attackers had reportedly been influenced by Naik’s teachings on YouTube. Since fleeing, Naik has been residing in Malaysia, continuing his religious sermons and lectures.
India has requested his extradition, but Malaysia has not yet responded. The Indian government has declared him a fugitive, banned his Islamic Research Foundation, and revoked his passport.