Zakir Naik Sparks Controversy at Event for Orphaned Girls in Pakistan
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik ignited backlash during an event organized by the Pakistan Sweet Home Foundation, which supports orphaned girls, by abruptly leaving the stage. Invited to present awards to the young girls, Naik exited when the host referred to them as “daughters.”
The incident unfolded when the announcer called the girls to receive their shields. Naik objected, asserting that it was inappropriate to label them as “daughters,” citing Islamic guidelines that classify the girls as “non-mahrams”—individuals eligible for marriage and thus not to be addressed in such a manner. “You cannot touch them or call them your daughters,” he stated.
This controversial stance has drawn attention to his ongoing visit to Pakistan, where he is scheduled to deliver speeches in major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, and lead Friday prayer congregations.
Naik received a warm welcome from the Pakistani government, including a red carpet reception. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar ahead of an anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Since 2016, Naik has been living in Malaysia due to legal proceedings initiated against him by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has charged him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
