In a recent turn of events, former actress Zaranish Khan, who left the entertainment industry for religious reasons, publicly apologized to renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik for the inconvenience he faced during his visit to Pakistan. Dr. Naik, currently in Pakistan on an official invitation, experienced an unfortunate incident with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) regarding luggage during his travel from Malaysia. The incident sparked controversy and disappointment, prompting Zaranish Khan to speak out in defense of the scholar and extend her apology on behalf of the nation.
The Incident: Dr. Zakir Naik’s Experience with PIA
Dr. Zakir Naik, who arrived in Pakistan to deliver religious lectures and attend events, including one at Governor House in Sindh, Karachi, shared his disheartening experience with PIA in a gathering. He revealed that while traveling from Malaysia, he and his team were carrying approximately 1,000 kg of luggage. Upon contacting the PIA country manager, Dr. Naik was assured that the airline would accommodate his needs due to his status as an esteemed guest in Pakistan.
However, the reality was quite different. Dr. Naik explained that he was traveling with six people and had an excess luggage weight of 600 kg. Despite his expectations, the PIA officer offered only a 50% discount on the additional baggage fees, a gesture Dr. Naik found both surprising and disappointing. The scholar jokingly remarked that it would have been cheaper to bring four more people along instead of paying for the excess baggage.
Dr. Zakir Naik’s Response
Dr. Zakir Naik, known for his humility and composure, shared his frustration during the gathering. He stated that if PIA wished to offer a discount, it should have been a full waiver for the excess baggage, considering his status as a state guest. Dr. Naik emphasized that his visa clearly indicated he was a state guest, and it was disheartening to receive such treatment from the national airline of Pakistan.
He compared this experience with how non-Muslim airlines in India, his country of origin, treated him with utmost respect, sometimes waiving fees without question. Dr. Naik expressed his sadness over the incident, stating that while he had been treated with courtesy by airlines in India despite being a Muslim preacher, in Pakistan, where he was an official guest, he faced bureaucratic hurdles over a matter as trivial as excess baggage.
His disappointment was evident when he recounted how, instead of accepting the discount, he opted to bring additional people with him to avoid paying for the luggage, thus resolving the issue without PIA’s help. However, he made it clear that the incident left him with a sense of sorrow, reflecting on the inefficiency and lack of courtesy displayed by the national carrier.
Zaranish Khan’s Apology to Dr. Zakir Naik
The incident quickly gained attention, and a video of Dr. Zakir Naik recounting the ordeal went viral on social media. Among those who watched the video was former actress Zaranish Khan, who had recently left the showbiz industry for Islam. Deeply moved by the scholar’s words, Zaranish took to social media to apologize to Dr. Zakir Naik on behalf of the Pakistani people.
In her comment on the viral video, Zaranish expressed her regret and sorrow over the treatment Dr. Naik received. She remarked that as a nation, Pakistanis often fail to act with the respect and dignity that esteemed guests deserve. Zaranish acknowledged the shameful behavior and apologized for the inconvenience caused to Dr. Zakir Naik during his visit. Her heartfelt apology resonated with many of her followers, who shared similar sentiments, expressing embarrassment over the situation.
Zaranish wrote, “Our nation considers it a duty to embarrass in everything, we should be ashamed. This is truly a moment of shame for all of us.” Her words struck a chord with the audience, as many agreed that Pakistan, known for its hospitality, should have treated a guest of Dr. Naik’s stature with far more respect.
The Broader Issue: Hospitality and Respect for Guests
The incident involving Dr. Zakir Naik highlights a broader issue within certain institutions in Pakistan — a lack of respect and attention to detail when dealing with important guests. In many cultures, particularly in Islamic tradition, guests are treated with the highest regard and given special care. Dr. Naik’s experience with PIA is a reminder of the need for better training and awareness among service providers in the country, especially when handling high-profile visitors.
Moreover, the incident brings attention to the discrepancies between how international figures are treated abroad versus in their own countries. Dr. Naik’s comparison of his treatment by Indian airlines, despite the political tensions between him and the Indian government, with his treatment by Pakistan’s national airline speaks volumes about the need for improvement.
Zaranish Khan’s public apology to Dr. Zakir Naik reflects the sentiments of many Pakistanis who were saddened and embarrassed by the incident. As a nation known for its warmth and hospitality, this incident serves as a wake-up call for institutions like PIA to improve their services and ensure that all guests, particularly those with official status, are treated with the utmost respect.
Dr. Zakir Naik’s disappointment in PIA’s treatment, despite being a state guest, highlights the need for change within the system. Hopefully, this incident will lead to better practices in the future, ensuring that distinguished figures like Dr. Naik are always treated with the dignity and respect they deserve when visiting Pakistan.
