Mumbai. Islamic televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik, notoriously known for his polarizing speeches, has recently sparked fresh controversy in Pakistan. During his current visit, Naik made several remarks against Christianity that have led to widespread alarm and discontent within Pakistan’s Christian minority resulting drawing sharp criticism from Mumbai and other parts of the country. The community, already facing longstanding challenges due to instances of religious discrimination and abuse, now feels increasingly threatened by Naik’s incendiary statements.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, Chairman of the Harmony Foundation has condemned Naik’s rhetoric, emphasizing that such inflammatory remarks risk igniting a surge in extremist sentiment within Pakistan. According to Mathai, Naik’s “venomous utterances” disrupt peace and harmony, undermining the rights and security of Pakistan’s Christian minority, who he describes as a peace-loving community.
Minority community in jeopardy
Notably, Dr. Naik’s speeches, delivered before large audiences, have raised concerns about their potential to incite further hostility and even violence toward Christians in Pakistan. Many fear these messages could spark extremists, intensifying an already volatile atmosphere. In a country where blasphemy laws are often misused against religious minorities, especially Christians, the impact of these statements may place the community in jeopardy. Comparisons have been drawn to the tragic 2015 incident in Libya, where 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians were brutally killed by ISIS after refusing to convert to Islam—one of the most harrowing examples of religious persecution in recent memory.
Pak govt must denounce Naik Naik’s statements
The former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission of India, Mathai has urged the Pakistani government to publicly denounce Naik’s statements. Without a firm stance, he warns, the government risks being perceived as complicit in fostering an environment where targeted violence against religious minorities could erupt. He implored authorities to take steps to safeguard the Christian community, emphasizing the critical role of the state in preventing tensions from escalating to tragic levels.
Observers highlight that unless Pakistan’s leadership moves quickly to address such divisive rhetoric, the country could face heightened scrutiny from the international community regarding the protection of its minorities. As Naik’s visit continues, calls for official condemnation of his remarks grow louder, with advocacy groups stressing the need for Pakistan to uphold its commitment to religious harmony and minority rights.
