Islamabad, October 21, 2024:
The Christian community in Pakistan has raised serious concerns over the recent state visit of Dr. Zakir Naik, citing distress over his public statements which they believe undermined their faith. In a letter addressed to President Asif Ali Zardari, The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, expressed dismay at what he described as Dr. Naik’s open criticism of Christian doctrines and sacred scriptures during public forums.
According to Dr. Marshall, Christian pastors and scholars were not provided the opportunity to respond to what he described as “misinformation” spread during these forums. The bishop noted that the Christian community felt marginalized, and their religious beliefs were publicly discredited without recourse.
In addition to religious concerns, the letter also highlighted remarks made by Dr. Naik that allegedly discredited Pakistan’s national airline, which, according to the bishop, not only hurt religious sentiments but also wounded the national pride of Pakistanis. These statements, according to the letter, demonstrated a lack of respect for Pakistan as a host nation.
Dr. Marshall reminded President Zardari of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees, citing Article 20, which ensures the right of every citizen to freely practice and propagate their religion. He also referenced Article 36, which obligates the state to protect the legitimate rights of minorities.
The letter calls for immediate action from the government, urging measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, particularly those perceived to be state-sponsored. The Christian community believes that these actions threaten the religious harmony and mutual respect that Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, envisioned in his address to the first Constituent Assembly.
The letter closes by expressing hope that the government will uphold its commitment to religious harmony and protect the rights of all citizens, as enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution. No official response has yet been issued by the government regarding the concerns raised by the Christian community.
This is good but not enough. He should meet with the prime minister or President and share his grievance in person and get it published in national newspapers. Dr. Naik did a lot of damage to inter-faith harmony and insulted our pastors, some of them were amateurs and should have not gone there to be publicly humiliated by an ill mannered arrogant debater.
Dr.Zakir Naik has no right to hurt others religious feelings. As his statement your holy scripture change etc….