Dr Zakir Naik to land in Karachi tomorrow

Renowned Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik is set to arrive in Karachi on October 2 (tomorrow) and the city is bracing for his visit with strict security arrangements in place.

Police officials have confirmed that the cleric's security has been handed over to the Special Security Unit (SSU) to ensure his safety during his stay in the port city.

Upon arrival at Karachi Airport on Wednesday afternoon, Dr Naik will be received by high-profile dignitaries, including Governor Kamran Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab.

This marks the beginning of his highly anticipated visit, which includes meetings with prominent Islamic scholars such as Mufti Taqi Usmani and Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman.

The preacher will also meet with Jamia Tur Rasheed head Mufti Abdul Rahim and other notable personalities. 

His itinerary includes visits to important government institutions on October 4 and addressing a public gathering at Bagh-e-Quaid on October 5 and 6.

Private meetings are scheduled from October 7 to 10, after which the religious figure will depart for Lahore on October 11 morning.

He will speak in Lahore on October 12 and 13 and in Islamabad on October 19 and 20.

These events will also be broadcast live on Peace TV, allowing a wider audience to benefit from Islamic preacher's expertise in comparative religion. 

A day earlier, the Islamic scholar arrived in Pakistan for a month-long visit. 

Mr Naik was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Additional Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Syed Dr Attaur Rehman, Parliamentary Secretary Religious Affairs Shamsheer Ali Mazari, and other dignitaries at New Islamabad Airport.

Dr Naik's visit came after a tumultuous past in India, where his organisation, Islamic Research Foundation, was banned for five years in 2016 due to alleged involvement in illegal activities. 

The cleric later moved to Malaysia due to the Modi-led government's biased actions towards him.

He was later charged with treason and money laundering in 2019, making it impossible for him to return to India.

Dr Naik had planned to visit Pakistan in 2020 but was forced to postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he revealed in his recent podcast appearance.