Zakir Naik's X Account Withheld In India After MEA Slams "High Level Welcome" Of The Radical Islamic Preacher In Pakistan

India has taken action to block Zakir Naik's 'X' account, restricting access to the controversial Islamic preacher's social media in the country.

This move came just hours after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) “condemned” the way Pakistan feted controversial preacher, who is on a month-long visit to the country.

Naik is sought by Indian authorities on allegations of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speech.

His presence in Pakistan has led to renewed diplomatic tensions, with India sharply criticising Islamabad for hosting him.

“We have seen reports that he (Zakir Naik) has been feted in Pakistan. He has been warmly welcomed there,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

“It is not surprising for us that an Indian fugitive has received a high-level welcome in Pakistan. It is something which is disappointing and condemnable but at the same time it is not surprising,” he added.

To a question on the radical Islamic preacher’s passport, Jaiswal said India was not clear on what passport Naik travelled to Pakistan.

Naik, who arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of the government on Tuesday for a month-long visit, was given a red-carpet welcome and subsequently met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

During his month-long stay, Naik is set to deliver a series of public speeches in key Pakistani cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

The radical Islamic preacher is wanted by Indian authorities on multiple charges related to alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speech.

Since 2016, Naik has been living in Malaysia after legal proceedings were initiated against him.

This action stemmed from the July 2016 Dhaka terror attack, where one of the perpetrators confessed to being influenced by Naik’s sermons on his YouTube channel.

India has requested Naik's extradition, but Malaysia has yet to respond to this request.

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