Zakir Naik’s Pakistan Tour Raises Concerns Over Anwar’s Commitment to India
By Subaashinee Kupusamy,
10 OCTOBER: The upcoming visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan has sparked concerns, particularly in light of the controversial figure Zakir Naik’s scheduled tour in the country. Zakir Naik, a radical Islamic preacher, is wanted by Indian authorities for charges related to money laundering and hate speech, making his public appearances a point of contention between India and Malaysia.
Anwar’s visit is seen as problematic by many observers in India, as it appears to coincide with Naik’s speeches across Pakistan. This timing raises questions about Anwar’s diplomatic stance and commitment to India. Zakir Naik fled India in 2016 and has been living in Malaysia under protection from the Malaysian government, which has refused repeated extradition requests from India.
Indian officials have long sought Naik’s return to face trial, but Malaysia’s reluctance to cooperate on the issue has created diplomatic friction. Anwar Ibrahim, since taking office, has been vocal about improving ties with India, and his earlier statements suggested a willingness to address the Naik issue. However, his upcoming visit to Pakistan, just a week before Naik’s tour, is viewed as a potential setback to this commitment.
Zakir Naik’s influence in the Islamic world and his radical preaching style have made him a controversial figure, with his speeches often cited for inciting extremism. India has expressed concern over Naik’s ability to freely propagate his views in countries like Malaysia and now Pakistan.
The Malaysian government’s continued protection of Naik, combined with Anwar’s visit to Pakistan, could strain Malaysia-India relations further. The upcoming developments in Pakistan will likely be watched closely, as they have broader implications for diplomatic relations in South Asia as stated in MSN.
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