Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik recently criticized Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for refusing to waive fees for excess baggage during his trip from Malaysia to Pakistan, instead offering him a 50% discount. Naik, who is wanted in India for charges of hate speech and inciting communal discord, compared the situation to his experiences in India, where he claimed he was often exempted from such charges.

Naik, who arrived in Pakistan on October 1 for a stay until October 28, shared his grievances while addressing supporters in Karachi. He recounted an exchange with the PIA's CEO and station manager regarding his group's baggage, which exceeded the weight limit by 500 to 600 kilograms. Naik explained that the station manager offered him a 50% discount on the excess baggage but refused to waive the charges entirely. “I told him I’d rather bring more people and increase the weight since it’s getting cheaper,” he said, before rejecting the offer.

Naik expressed disappointment, remarking that in India, even non-Muslims would often let him pass without charging for extra baggage. He contrasted this with his experience in Pakistan, where despite being a state guest, he was offered only a discount. "I was hurt that PIA couldn’t even let me carry 300 kilograms of excess baggage for free as a state guest," Naik said.

The preacher, who has been living in Malaysia since fleeing India in 2016, has faced legal troubles after India's National Investigation Agency filed a case against him, linking his speeches to the influence on terrorists involved in the Dhaka attacks. India has since sought his extradition, revoked his passport, and banned his Islamic Research Foundation. Naik’s comments have sparked criticism on social media, with many users trolling him for "bad-mouthing" Pakistan despite the discount offered.

Several social media users defended PIA, given its financial struggles, while others criticized Naik for his expectations and comments. One user remarked, "The state should choose its state guests more wisely," while another jokingly suggested that Naik avoid the duty-free shops in Pakistan to prevent further disappointment.

Naik concluded his remarks by claiming that, while Pakistanis also respect him, the reverence he received in India was unparalleled, despite his current exile due to legal actions against him.