On October 1, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greeted with open embraces and hugs the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India on terror-related charges. India has expressed disapproval of the Sharif regime at a time when ties between Pakistan and India are at an all-time low due to Pakistan's month-long visit and lavish treatment of the fugitive.
Pakistan's decision to welcome Naik as a state guest and give him the red carpet notwithstanding his controversial remarks during his tour has deeply alarmed India. After providing sanctuary to Sikh militants, authorities claim that this was Pakistan's second attempt to utilise Naik to radicalise Muslims.
When Naik left the Pakistan Sweet Home Foundation's function in favour of orphaned girls during his tour, he sparked yet another uproar. When the announcer called them "daughters" and asked him to present the prize, he walked out straight.
The girls are regarded as "non-mahrams," he added, and "you can't touch them or refer to them like that."
In 2016, Zakir Naik fled India after being arrested for using hate speech to incite extremism. The previous Mahathir Mohamad government granted him permanent residency after he left the country. Since then, he has continued his contentious actions overseas while evading the legal repercussions.
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