Renowned Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik reached Pakistan on Monday morning on the special invitation of the government.

Dr Naik was welcomed by Prime Minister Youth Program head Rana Mashhood at Islamabad International Airport. The welcome party also included members of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Dr Naik, who is visiting Pakistan on the special invitation of the government, grabbed the attention of numerous passengers at the airport, who greeted him with enthusiasm and respect. Security around the airport was heightened as Dr Naik was escorted to his destination in Islamabad under tight measures.

During his visit, Dr Zakir Naik is set to address several high-profile events in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. He will also meet with prominent national figures. His lectures are expected to attract large audiences, with both scholars and the general public eager to engage with his teachings.

On September 20, Dr Zakir Naik's official Facebook page had confirmed that he was set to deliver lectures in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, as part of a nationwide tour starting on October 5. The tour is scheduled to begin in Karachi and conclude in Islamabad on October 20. Joining him on the tour will be his son, Dr Fariq Naik, who is also an Islamic scholar and will be delivering lectures in all three cities.

Schedule of Dr Zakir Naik's lectures

Dr Naik shared further details in a separate post, revealing that the Karachi event will be held at Bagh-e-Quaid, across from the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah mausoleum. His first lecture in Karachi on October 5 will focus on 'The Purpose of Our Life', while Dr Fariq Naik is scheduled to speak on October 6, addressing the topic, 'Kya Quran ko Samajh Kar Parhna Zaroori Hai?' (Is it necessary to understand the Quran while reading?).

Although Dr Zakir Naik has announced the dates for his public lectures in Lahore and Islamabad -- October 12 and 13 in Lahore, and October 19 and 20 in Islamabad -- he has yet to disclose the specific venues and topics for these sessions.

The news of Dr Zakir Naik’s visit generated excitement among his Pakistani followers, with many expressing their joy on social media. Dr Naik, who currently resides in Malaysia, recently discussed his decision to move there instead of Pakistan after facing mounting pressure in India.

In an interview with a Pakistani YouTuber that quickly gained millions of views, Dr Naik shared insights into key moments in his life. When asked why he chose Malaysia over Pakistan after leaving India, he explained, "It would have been easier for me to go to Pakistan. I have visited Pakistan before and have a significant number of supporters there."

However, he cited an important Islamic principle in his decision-making: "Sharia teaches us to accept a lesser harm to avoid a greater one. If I had moved to Pakistan, India would have labelled me an ISI agent and used false propaganda to shut down my institution, which would have hindered my efforts to spread the teachings of Islam."