Renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik and Sheikh Faruk Naik have announced plans to visit Pakistan later this year.
The visit, confirmed by Dr Naik’s official social media account, comes at the invitation of the Pakistani government. This visit will mark a significant engagement as Dr. Naik addresses audiences in three of Pakistan’s major cities according to the following schedule:
- Karachi: October 5-6
- Lahore: October 12-13
- Islamabad: October 19-20
Dr. Naik, embroiled in a money laundering case in India, had previously shown interest in visiting Pakistan during a podcast with a Pakistani YouTuber. He had intended to make the trip in 2020, but the global outbreak of COVID-19 thwarted the plans.
In a telling interview, when asked why he chose Malaysia over Pakistan after leaving India, Dr. Naik mentioned his familiarity with the Pakistani people as a potential reason for relocating there. However, he explained his decision to stay in Malaysia by referencing Islamic teachings, noting that he adhered to the principle of enduring a lesser loss to avoid a greater one.
Dr. Naik’s visit to Pakistan, therefore, holds particular importance as it represents a significant outreach amidst his ongoing legal and social challenges.