Controversial Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik's 'X' Account Withheld In India

The social media platform ‘X’ account of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been withheld in India.

The development came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) “condemned” the way Pakistan feted controversial preacher, who is on a month-long visit to the country.

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“We have seen reports that he (Zakir Naik) has been feted in Pakistan. He has been warmly welcomed there,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

“It is not surprising for us that an Indian fugitive has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is something which is disappointing and condemnable but at the same time it is not surprising,” he added.

To a question on Naik’s passport, Jaiswal said India was not clear on what passport Naik travelled to Pakistan.

Naik’s Visit To Pakistan

Naik, who arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of the government on a month-long visit on Tuesday, was accorded a red-carpet welcome. Later he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

During his month-long visit, Naik is scheduled to deliver a series of public speeches in major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, as reported by Pakistani newspaper The Tribune.

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Who is Zakir Naik?

The Islamic preacher is wanted by the Indian authorities in several cases linked with alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. Since 2016, Naik has been residing in Malaysia following the initiation of legal proceedings against him. This action stemmed from the July 2016 Dhaka terror attack, where one of the perpetrators confessed to being influenced by Naik’s sermons on his YouTube channel.

India has sought Naik’s extradition to face charges, but Malaysia has yet to comply with this request.

(With inputs from agencies)