Interfaith leaders from various religious communities gathered at the Lahore Press Club on Oct. 16 to condemn recent remarks by Dr. Zakir Naik, accusing him of hate speech against Christianity and other minority faiths in Pakistan.
According to an online news site Catholics in Pakistan, the joint press conference, organized by Fr. James Channan OP, aimed to promote interfaith harmony and denounce rhetoric that threatens religious coexistence.
The leaders expressed their deep disappointment over Naik’s remarks, describing them as “unacceptable and hurtful to the religious sentiments of minority communities in Pakistan.”
They reminded the public that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees “freedom of religion and protection to all citizens, regardless of their faith.”
They further called upon the government “to take immediate action to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety and security of minority communities.”
Naik, whose inflammatory remarks have led to his prohibition in numerous countries, embarked on a speaking tour across Pakistan beginning October 1. His itinerary includes major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Instead of fostering interfaith understanding, his lectures have only deepened the divide with Pakistan’s Christian community, leaving them marginalized, offended, and increasingly vulnerable to hostility.
Naik’s controversial reputation precedes him. Indian authorities have issued warrants for his arrest on allegations of money laundering and promoting hate speech.
Several nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have banned him for his incendiary rhetoric.
His television station, Peace TV, has also faced bans in multiple regions due to its extremist programming.
Naik’s statements frequently mischaracterize Christian doctrines, using distorted interpretations of biblical texts to ridicule the faith, undermining efforts toward constructive dialogue and peace.
The interfaith leaders urged the government “to ban this individual’s entry into Pakistan, as his presence is harmful to our efforts of promoting interfaith harmony and coexistence.”
The conference underscored the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect among different faith communities.
“We believe in the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. We must work together to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect among different faith communities,” the faith leaders said.
Additionally, the leaders proposed that the government extend an invitation to the Imam of Kaaba, saying, “His presence will promote greater understanding and cooperation among different faith communities.”
The religious leaders urged both the government and civil society to “work together to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and coexistence in Pakistan.”
Among the attendees included Fr. Pascal Paulus OP (Vice Provincial of Ibn-e-Mariam Province of Pakistan), Fr. Akhtar Naveed, Allama Muhammad Zuber Abid, Rev. Dr. Marcus Fida, Rev. Emmanuel Sardar Khokhar, Fr. John Joseph, Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokhar, Sardar Sikandar Singh, Rev. Amjad Niamat, Bishop Ibrahim Daniel, and Advocate Supreme Court Iqbal Chaudhry.
