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KARACHI: A prominent Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik — who is in Pakistan for a lecture series — has slammed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for not waiving excess baggage fees while he was traveling to the country from Malaysia.
During his public talk in Karachi, a clip of which went viral on social media, Zakir Naik said that he would not have received this kind of treatment in his home country, India, where he is a fugitive over multiple charges.
He said that instead of waiving charges for extra baggage, PIA officials offered him a 50 percent discount, which he alleged that “an insult to the state guest”. Social media was abuzz with his statement with a flurry of reactions coming from netizens.
He expressed dissatisfaction after being offered a 50% discount for 500 to 600 kg of extra baggage by the national flag carrier, despite being a state guest. He said he expected his additional luggage to be cleared without charge, as is common for him in India.
“I was coming to Pakistan. Our luggage was 1,000kg. I spoke to the PIA CEO. The station manager told me that he would do anything for me. I replied, ‘I have 500 kg to 600 kg extra luggage.’ He offered me a 50% discount. I told him, I would bring four more people, as it would get cheaper. I asked him to give it for free or leave it,” Naik said while responding to a person’s query related to giving bribes in Karachi.
“I rejected the offer. Any non-Muslim, when they see me, lets me off for free in India. This is India; they waive 1,000kg to 2,000kg when they see Dr Zakir Naik. This is Pakistan. I am a guest of the government, and ‘state guest’ is written on my visa. Yet, your CEO is offering me a 50% discount,” he added.
Zakir Naik’s comments have ignited a debate online, with some defending him, while others criticized his expectations and remarks.
One user criticized him, saying, “Zakir Naik bashing PIA for not allowing him 300kg luggage for free and asking 50% of the payment, he praised India for giving it free.
“Well no wonder, He’s a wanted fugitive in India for money laundering, And kudos to the guy in PIA who made sure he followed the protocol,” he said.
Zakir Naik bashing PIA for not allowing him 300kg luggage for free and asking 50% of the payment, he praised India for giving it free.
Well no wonder, He’s a wanted fugitive in India for money laundering
And kudos to the guy in PIA who made sure he followed the protocol.
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) October 7, 2024
Another defended the PIA’s move to offer Naik a 50 percent discount despite suffering from heavy losses. “The state should choose state guests wisely. Such is the state of affairs and affairs of the state.”
A user on X, wrote, the station manager should be questioned for even offering a 50% discount. “Zakir Naik is not a rare human being nor is PIA his personal property.”
The station manager should be questioned for even offering a 50% discount, Zakir Naik asmaan say nhi utra hoa nor is PIA his personal property. Self entitlement dekho zara is mullah key. https://t.co/oLyII2yL2d
— Faris (@Sooba_Hazara_) October 7, 2024
Some criticized him for his comments, while others defended him, highlighting the importance of treating state guests with respect and dignity.
A user on social media platform X, wrote, “Unacceptable treatment of a state guest.” She further wrote that ‘the authorities leave no occasion to shame us’.
“As a nation, we pride ourselves on hospitality, but watch as Dr. Zakir Naik, a distinguished state guest, is offered a 50% discount by PIA instead of the respect and courtesy he deserves.”
“UNACCEPTABLE TREATMENT OF A STATE GUEST!
The authorities leave no occasion to ashame us .
As a nation, we pride ourselves on hospitality, but watch as Dr. Zakir Naik, a distinguished state guest, is offered a 50% discount by PIA instead of the respect and courtesy he deserves. pic.twitter.com/hBEDmzWZyy— Dr Ansha (@doctorX56) October 8, 2024
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