Dr Zakir Naik apologises to 'Pakistani brothers' for PIA comments

Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik has apologised for his recent comments regarding Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which sparked controversy on social media. 

During the last night event in the port city, the cleric revealed that Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori had asked him to forget the incident, which he already "failed to recall."

"I wondered if I had said anything about it," Dr Naik said.

"The governor reminded me of the incident again. I knew there was a lot of tension on social media about this, then I realised what I said was right or not?" 

Reflecting on the British-created hatred between India and Pakistan, the 58-year-old orator said: "Our brothers in India and Pakistan do not want such tension."

Dr Naik apologised if his "words had hurt Pakistani brothers". 

"Our real goal is to get a passport to heaven, not a worldly passport," he stressed.

The controversy stemmed from the globally celebrated figure's account of his experience with PIA during his lecture in the metropolis.

According to Mr Zakir, he had 1000kg of baggage while travelling from Malaysia to Pakistan and negotiated with the country manager of PIA. 

The manager offered a 50 percent discount on extra luggage to the scholar despite his state guest status.

But, Dr Naik declined the discount, saying it would be cheaper to bring four more people.

"I told them, if you want to give a discount on baggage, then do it for free, otherwise don't give it," the Indian preacher said. 

"This is the attitude of Pakistani airlines. In India, if any non-Muslim sees me, they let me go for free." 

He expressed disappointment at being charged 110 ringgit (Rs7,127) per kg despite being a state guest.