The already strained relationship between India and Pakistan has further escalated following the hospitality shown to fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in Pakistan.
Zakir Naik is a wanted in India on the charges of terror financing, hate speech, inciting communal hatred, and money laundering.
Recently, Naik held discussions with senior officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Additionally, he met former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who posted pictures of their meeting on social media.
Addressing Naik’s presence in Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “This is not the first time that he has been treated in Pakistan.”
“It shows the kind of approach his hosts have and what it means for us, and what it means in terms of giving so much support to a person who is wanted here,” he added.
On Thursday, Pakistan celebrated its National Day, where, for the second consecutive time, India did not participate.
Addressing the event, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, expressed Pakistan’s desire to maintain peaceful relations with India. However, according to India, this holds little significance as long as Pakistan continues to shelter Indian fugitives.
