Fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday apologized for his recent remarks on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). His controversial statements during the current tour of Pakistan are being strongly criticized across the country. What happened was that earlier this week, a video of Naik had gone viral on social media, in which he had ridiculed PIA for imposing extra baggage charges during his visit to Pakistan last month.
In fact, Naik had said during one of his lectures in Karachi, “I was coming to Pakistan. Our luggage was 1000 kg. I spoke to the CEO of PIA. The station manager told me that he was ready to do anything for me. I replied, ‘I have 500 to 600 kg extra luggage.’ They offered me 50 percent discount. I clearly told them to either let me take the goods for free or end the matter here.
Nike said at 50% off: “I don’t want your discount”
Zakir Naik said that in India I am released free, because they forgive 1000-2000 kg of luggage as soon as they see me. And here in Pakistan, where I am a guest of the government and my visa is stamped ‘State Guest’, the CEO is giving me a discount of 50 percent. I was very disappointed. I told him I don’t want your exemption… I feel bad, but it is true, this is the situation in Pakistan.”
PIA should demand full price
A Pakistani content creator posted on “Or at least, he won’t complain publicly when he doesn’t get it!”
Is Zakir Naik’s influence increasing?
Journalist Absa Komal, who fights for gender equality in Pakistan, wrote, “This man Zakir Naik thinks that 13-14 year old orphan girls are ‘Khwateen’ (women) and he cannot share the stage with them. He Criticizes national airlines for refusing to waive baggage fees, also says that women who choose to remain unmarried rather than become someone’s second wife are public property (Bazaru) He accuses a Pashtun girl of pedophilia. In spite of all this, some other brain dead people are defending her, clearly we are attractive to egoists and misogynists. The state should invite sensible people, we already have too many such people roaming on the streets.