According to Pakistani news outlet The Express Tribune, fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik recently visited the home of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind.
Discussions on a number of topics were covered during the meeting, which was held at the Sharif family estate; however, no formal statement has been made outlining the details of their chat.
The debate regarding Naik’s position and the meeting’s political ramifications have garnered attention. Indian officials are currently looking for him on suspicion of promoting extremism and money laundering.
Mohammad Hafeez, a former cricket player for Pakistan, sparked controversy when he posted images of his encounter with Dr. Zakir Naik on social media. Hafeez wrote in his article that he was happy to have met Naik, which sparked intense online responses, especially from Indian citizens.
Hafeez’s choice to hang out with Naik was questioned by others, with one user speculating that these kinds of gatherings are part of the reason India is reluctant to play cricket in Pakistan.
The already strained relations between the two nations have become much more complicated as a result of this episode, which has rekindled debates on India’s decision to not compete in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
