'Wrong, Say Sorry...': In Pakistan, Zakir Naik Chides Pashtun Girl Over Question On Paedophilia

Already going viral on social media for making preposterous claims, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Sunday chided a Pashtun girl when he was asked about pedophilia during one of his speeches.

Naik, who is living in Malaysia, began a nearly month-long visit to Pakistan on Tuesday. When asked about hardcore religious society and the issue of pedophilia during one of his sermons, Naik said, “This is a wrong question and you should say sorry to God. When pressed further, he said, “I wouldn’t reply and wanted her to say sorry first.”

‘No Indian guru’

During one of his speeches, Naik got upset with a Hindu boy when asked about fundamentalist Islam and went on to challenge several Indian spiritual leaders. “No Indian guru including, Ravi Shankar, Jaggi Vasudeva and Baba Ramdev is capable of debating me. I won’t talk to you because you are a kid,” he added.

As Naik made waves on social media for his comments, top government sources told CNN-News18 that Naik’s speeches are “Maulvi-type hardcore and he is trying not only to insult India but Indian religious figures.” “Now the onus is on the Pakistan government to stop him so that the sentiments of any Indian and Hindus staying in Pakistan is not affected,” the sources said.

‘Deliberate insult’

The sources said that controversial Islamic preacher is brought to Pakistan with a defined agenda and motive only to insult Hindus. “India is very clear that Pakistan is doing this insult deliberately and we will definitely take this agenda in related forums,” it added.

Zakir Naik earlier also claimed that those residing in Pakistan have a better chance of going to ‘Jannat’ (paradise), than those living in the United States, a statement condemned by even those living in Pakistan. Reposting the same, a Pakistani national wrote, “This man Zakir Naik is not only a fraudster but takes ridiculousness to a whole new level.. he’s a disgrace.”

Sharing the video, another X user, an Indian national, wrote, “Fugitive and Islamist hate preacher Zakir Naik says that chances of going to Jannat (heaven) while living in Pakistan are hundreds times higher than in USA. That’s true. Suicide bombers and terrorists are far more in Pakistan than anywhere in the world.”

Earlier on Friday, India had described as “condemnable” the way Pakistan feted Naik but added that it was not “surprising”.  “We have seen reports that he (Zakir Naik) has been feted in Pakistan. He has been warmly welcomed there,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.

“It is not surprising for us that an Indian fugitive has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is something which is disappointing and condemnable but at the same time it is not surprising,” he said. Jaiswal was replying to a question on Naik’s visit to Pakistan. Naik is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.