Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 3: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, strongly criticized Pakistan for giving a grand red carpet welcome to the controversial Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India on charges of money laundering and delivering hate speeches.
In a statement issued here, today, Kavinder Gupta expressed outrage over Pakistan’s decision to host Naik and allow him to deliver public lectures in various cities. He condemned the gesture as a deliberate affront to India’s legal efforts to bring the fugitive preacher to justice and a move that encourages radical elements.
“Pakistan’s grand welcome to Zakir Naik is both shameful and dangerous. It sends a clear message that Pakistan is willing to embrace individuals who promote division and extremism, despite Naik’s proven record of inciting hatred,” he stated. He emphasized that providing a platform to someone like Naik not only jeopardizes regional peace but also highlights Pakistan’s double standards on fighting terrorism.
The senior BJP leader called upon the international community to take serious note of this development and urged them to support India’s efforts in bringing Naik to justice. He further stated that “India will not stand by as Pakistan glorifies a man who promotes violence under the guise of religion. We demand swift diplomatic action to hold Pakistan accountable for sheltering and promoting such figures.”
Kavinder Gupta reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to ensuring the security and harmony of India, condemning all attempts to undermine peace by harboring individuals who spread communal hatred. He urged the Government to intensify its diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to extradite Naik and prevent the spread of extremism in the region.