“Practice what you preach:” Celebs unhappy with Dr Zakir’s aggressive behaviour, controversial remarks

Pakistani celebrities raised objections to renowned religious preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s alleged aggressive style of interacting with Pakistani audiences, with many also criticising his controversial remarks about women.

The 58-year-old global figure was invited by the government of Pakistan, but since his arrival, several controversies have emerged regarding his remarks on women, social issues, and his criticism of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for fining him due to overweight luggage.

In one of his speeches, Dr Naik referred to unmarried women as “bazaari aurat” [women of the streets] or “public property,” and encouraged them to marry already married men rather than wait for unmarried men.

These remarks sparked outrage on social media, with several celebrities including Ali Zafar, Anoushey Ashraf, Shafaat Ali, and Iffat Omar criticising him for disrespecting women.

Here’s something we all need to understand: Women; whether they choose not to marry, struggle to find a suitable partner, or become widows, are NOT public property.

This mindset is neither Islamic, humane, nor rational.

No matter who says it, it’s offensively stupid!

— Shafaat Ali (@iamshafaatali) October 8, 2024

I really want to know who thought of inviting him as a State Guest ,who?😡@CMShehbaz @pmln_org @MediaCellPPP https://t.co/KaZrSxO2oB

— Iffat Omar Official (@OmarIffat) October 7, 2024

With all due respect Dr. Sahab. There is always a third option.
A woman can live a respectful and independent life, being a working woman or a mother, or both together, or the life she chooses for herself, just like millions of women around the world do and are equally respected… https://t.co/cAISOeDxS6

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 9, 2024

During a speech in Karachi, Dr Naik also expressed frustration with PIA after being fined for carrying 1000kg of luggage. He claimed that the PIA CEO offered him a discount on the fine, which only further angered him. 

The religious scholar refused to pay the fine, stating, "Yeh Pakistan ka haal hai [this is the state of affairs in Pakistan]. If I were in India, Hindus would have let me go because they believe I speak only the truth."

Mishi Khan, Aijaz Aslam and Naveed Raza called out Dr Naik for contradicting his own teachings on equality and fairness by demanding special treatment.

"You're praising India because you want to live there. If he goes, he'll witness that their income tax department don’t spare their celebrities," said Mishi Khan.

Dr Zakir Naik’s alleged pugnacious behaviour during his interactions with members of the audience, who posed questions to him, also led to criticism.

Several celebrities questioned his behavior, including actor Bilal Qureshi, who remarked, “Why is he scolding over everything? A preacher or teacher should be kind and polite.”