Eminent religious scholar and public speaker Dr. Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on Monday at the invitation of the government.
During his stay, which will continue until October 28, Dr. Naik will hold public gatherings in various cities, lead Friday prayers, and is expected to meet with senior government officials. His visit will include public talks in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
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Dr. Naik confirmed his tour of Pakistan through a social media post on X, where he also mentioned being accompanied by his son, Shaikh Fariq Naik.
According to the schedule shared by Dr. Naik, he will address public gatherings in Karachi on October 5 and 6, followed by events in Lahore on October 12 and 13. His Islamabad talks are scheduled for October 19 and 20.
Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Dr. Naik was welcomed by PM’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr. Syed Attaur Rehman, Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs Shamshir Ali Mazari, and other officials.
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Dr. Naik has been residing in Malaysia, where he holds permanent residency, as he is wanted in India for alleged involvement in money laundering and inciting extremism, according to the Hindustan Times.