During a public address in Karachi, Dr. Zakir Naik recounted an incident regarding excess luggage fees with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), highlighting a contrast with his treatment in India.
He expressed his discontent after being offered only a 50% discount on 500-600 kg of extra baggage, despite his status as a state guest, and mentioned his conversation with PIA’s CEO. “I was travelling to Pakistan with 1,000 kg of luggage. After contacting the PIA CEO, the station manager seemed willing to accommodate me. When I mentioned my excess luggage, he offered a 50% discount. I suggested he either waive the fee or I would leave it, given the cost-effectiveness of bringing additional travellers,” Dr. Naik explained.
Dr. Naik expected his extra luggage to be waived, as is customary for him in India, but he expressed disappointment over the offered discount despite his status. “I rejected the offer because authorities commonly waive 1,000 to 2,000 kg for me in India. Here in Pakistan, despite being a government guest, I only got a 50% discount,” he added.
His comments sparked online debates, with some defending his expectations for state guest treatment and others criticizing his sense of entitlement.
Dr. Naik arrived in Pakistan on September 30 for a month-long lecture tour across major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
