Pakistan: Fugitive Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik Meets LeT Terrorists In Lahore

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted in India for promoting hate and extremism, has been seen meeting members of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) during his recent visit to Pakistan.

Naik, who arrived in the country on September 30 for a month-long visit as a state guest, met with LeT commander Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi, Muhammad Harris Dhar, and Faisal Nadeem - all of whom were designated 'international' terrorists by the US in 2008.

Photo Credit: PTI

Footage shared and authenticated by India Today shows Naik embracing Hashmi and other LeT terrorists at Lahore's Badshahi Mosque, where he addressed a gathering of over 150,000 people. The event was under heavy security provided by Lahore police.

Naik's status as a "state guest" during his visit to Pakistan - a privilege typically extended to high-profile dignitaries and foreign leaders - along with his meetings with known terrorists, has sparked international alarm. India has condemned his visit, calling it "reprehensible."

Lashkar-e-Taiba is responsible for numerous terror attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Prior to the mosque event, LeT members, including Faisal Nadeem and Muzammil Hashmi, conducted an online campaign to promote Naik's visit.

Muhammad Harris Dhar also made headlines earlier this year after meeting with Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist, Arshad Nadeem.

Zakir Naik has been residing in Malaysia since 2016 after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a case against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).

The NIA's action followed the Dhaka terror attack in July 2016, where one of the attackers confessed to being influenced by Naik's sermons on his YouTube channel.