RAWALPINDI: Renowned Islamic Scholar Dr Zakir Naik on Tuesday expressed his desire to see Pakistan becoming a model Islamic state Speaking at a press conference on conclusion of his four-week-long visit to Pakistan, Dr Zakir Naik said that he got a lot of respect and love from the people of Pakistan and the government. He said people loved more than criticism was.

He said that criticism was 10 percent and love and respect was 90 percent. “I am open to criticism. I apologise from those who feel hurt from my any word or action. I received love and respect from people here,” he said.

He said that the time passed in Pakistan quickly and he was leaving the country on a positive note.

Responding to a question about interest, he said that dealing in Riba or interest is sin in Islam and Islamic countries should adopt Islamic banking system. “Jews holds the banking and media sectors and Muslims are weak in both sectors,” he said.

Talking about role model Islamic country in the world, he said that 97percent Pakistanis are Muslims and it should be a role model for other Muslim countries.

He advised people especially Youth to read Holy Quran with translation and try to understand the meaning and follow its teachings.

In response to a query about Pakistan International Airline Controversy, Dr. Zakir Naik said that he did not want to talk about it.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2024