India condemns Pakistan’s hospitality to fugitive preacher Zakir Naik
The presence of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in Pakistan has further strained the already tense ties between India and Pakistan. India has expressed its disappointment and concern over Pakistan’s hospitality to Naik, who is wanted in India on charges of alleged money laundering and inciting terrorism.
Naik was recently seen in Pakistan, where he met with high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He also met with former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who shared pictures of their meeting on social media.
Reacting to Naik’s visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan’s actions demonstrate their approach to hosting a wanted individual. Jaiswal emphasised that Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region.
India has also responded sternly to Pakistan’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir, stating that Islamabad should vacate Indian territory under its “illegal and forcible occupation”. The tension between the two nations has been escalating, with Pakistan accusing India of fomenting militancy in Balochistan and Kashmir.
In a recent podcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his hopes for improved bilateral ties, stating that India’s attempts to foster peace with Pakistan were “met with hostility and betrayal”. However, with Naik’s visit and Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, it seems that tensions between the two nations will continue to rise.
