Renowned Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik, currently visiting Pakistan, has apologised for his remarks about Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Dr Naik stated, “The Governor of Sindh reminded me of this incident, and there was also a lot of pressure on me from social media. I promote peace, and if my comments about PIA hurt my Pakistani brothers, I apologize.”
He further emphasized, “Our ultimate goal is to obtain the passport to paradise, not worldly passports.”
It is worth noting that during a speech in Karachi, Dr. Zakir Naik shared an incident about traveling from Malaysia to Pakistan with 1,000 kilograms of luggage. He had asked PIA’s country manager for a waiver on the excess weight.
According to Dr Naik, the PIA manager said, “Don’t worry, we’ll give you a 50% discount on the fee for the extra luggage.” To which Dr Naik responded, “It would be cheaper for me to bring four more people along than to pay that fee.”
The scholar added, “I told them, if you want to give a discount, make it free; otherwise, don’t bother.”
Dr. Naik expressed his disappointment with PIA’s attitude, remarking, “This is how Pakistan’s airline treats its customers. In India, even non-Muslims waive the fee for me, but this is the situation in Pakistan.”
He added that in India, where most people are non-Muslims, they waive 1,000 to 2,000 kilograms of luggage for him. But in Pakistan, despite being a state guest with it written on his visa, PIA only offered him a 50% discount.
Dr Zakir Naik concluded by saying, “I was so disappointed that, despite being a state guest, this happened. I don’t need your discount; instead, I brought six more people along, and their luggage came with them.”
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