Controversial Preacher Zakir Naik Arrives in Pakistan for Lecture Series Despite Money Laundering Charges

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on Monday amid tight security. Invited by the Pakistani government, he will hold lectures in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. His visit has garnered significant attention due to his past allegations of money laundering and inflammatory speeches.

On Monday morning, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who faces money laundering charges, arrived in Pakistan on the invitation of the Government of Pakistan. Naik, accompanied by his son, Fariq Naik, an Islamic scholar, will hold a series of lectures across Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore under tight security, reported the Express Tribune.

At New Islamabad Airport, Naik was welcomed by high-ranking officials including Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Pakistan Prime Minister's Youth Program, and Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. His tour is expected to last a month, comprising meetings with senior government officials and public events.

Zakir Naik's team confirmed the tour via a post on X, detailing public talks scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad throughout October. This visit comes in the wake of a statement from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in August, stating that Malaysia would not support terrorism if substantial evidence is provided against Naik. Naik, who is wanted by India's National Investigation Agency for a 2016 money laundering case and has faced bans in several countries, continues to draw controversy.

(With inputs from agencies.)