Renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik arrived in Pakistan on Monday morning following a special invitation from the government.
He was received at Islamabad International Airport by Rana Mashhood, head of the Prime Minister Youth Program, along with members of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Dr. Naik attracted significant attention from numerous passengers at the airport, who greeted him with enthusiasm and respect. Security was heightened as he was escorted to his destination in Islamabad under strict measures.
Read more: Nadir Ali Marks Milestone as First Pakistani to Conduct Interview with Dr. Zakir Naik
During his visit, Dr. Zakir Naik is scheduled to address several prominent events in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where he is expected to draw large audiences, including both scholars and the general public eager to engage with his teachings.
His official Facebook page confirmed on September 20 that he would deliver lectures in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad as part of a nationwide tour starting on October 5. The tour will kick off in Karachi and conclude in Islamabad on October 20, with his son, Dr. Fariq Naik, also an Islamic scholar, accompanying him and delivering lectures in all three cities.
Schedule of Dr Zakir Naik’s Lectures
Dr. Naik provided additional information in a separate post, announcing that the Karachi event will take place at Bagh-e-Quaid, located opposite the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His first lecture in Karachi on October 5 will focus on “The Purpose of Our Life,” while Dr. Fariq Naik is scheduled to speak on October 6 about “Kya Quran ko Samajh Kar Parhna Zaroori Hai?” (Is it necessary to understand the Quran while reading?).
Although Dr. Zakir Naik has confirmed the dates for his public lectures in Lahore and Islamabad—October 12 and 13 in Lahore, and October 19 and 20 in Islamabad—he has not yet revealed the specific venues or topics for these sessions.
The announcement of Dr. Zakir Naik’s visit has sparked excitement among his Pakistani followers, with many expressing their joy on social media. Currently residing in Malaysia, Dr. Naik recently explained his decision to relocate there instead of returning to Pakistan due to increasing pressure in India.
In a widely viewed interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Dr. Naik shared insights into significant moments in his life. When asked about his choice of Malaysia over Pakistan after leaving India, he stated, “It would have been easier for me to go to Pakistan. I have visited Pakistan before and have many supporters there.”
However, he referenced an important Islamic principle in his decision-making: “Sharia teaches us to accept a lesser harm to avoid a greater one. If I had moved to Pakistan, India would have labeled me an ISI agent and used false propaganda to shut down my institution, which would have hindered my efforts to spread the teachings of Islam.”
