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The Zakir Naik Controversy: A Reflection on Values and Leadership in Pakistan

7 minutes read

The Zakir Naik Controversy: A Reflection on Values and Leadership in Pakistan

7 minutes read

In recent events in Islamabad, a significant controversy arose around the appearance of Zakir Naik at a ceremony where awards were to be presented to children. Dr. Qamar Cheema, expressed his concerns about this incident in a podcast, scrutinizing not only Zakir Naik’s role but also the broader implications of such actions on Pakistani society, especially regarding women’s rights, youth empowerment, and the country’s future.

Key Points:

  • It is important to critically assess why individuals with no relevant expertise in fields like science, technology, or education are given influential roles, especially when their values do not align with societal progress and development.
  • Gender discrimination, such as refusing to acknowledge or reward the achievements of young girls, reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the efforts to create an equitable society.
  • Promotion of conservative figures who espouse regressive views can be detrimental to a nation’s growth, especially when such ideologies clash with modern values of inclusion and progress.
  •  For a society to thrive, especially in today’s world, it must prioritize leadership that empowers all citizens, including women and youth, while rejecting figures who promote exclusionary or outdated views.

Questioning Credentials and Relevance

Dr. Cheema begins by questioning Zakir Naik’s credentials; What qualifies him to present awards to children? He noted that Naik’s contributions, particularly in science, technology, or critical infrastructure, are nonexistent, raising doubts about why such a figure was chosen for this role. He asked, “What has Zakir Naik done in terms of critical emerging technology or interfaith harmony?”

This raises a deeper concern: why is a religious figure like Naik being presented as a role model in a society that needs to focus on modern, forward-looking achievements? For Cheema, this represents a disconnect between the progressive aspirations of many in Pakistan and the regressive figures the government sometimes chooses to elevate.

The Incident: Refusing to Award Girls

One of the most shocking parts of the incident was Zakir Naik’s refusal to present awards to young girls, some of whom were between 12 and 16 years old. The refusal caused a major embarrassment for the event organizers, who then decided that the awards would only be given to boys, excluding the girls altogether. Dr. Cheema described this as a “shameful incident” and questioned how such a person could be given a platform to represent values that Pakistan’s youth are expected to follow. He criticized the logic behind bringing Naik to Pakistan, especially when the Prime Minister of the country met with him and appeared to support him.

Misogyny and the Role of Women in Pakistan

The podcast delves deeper into the issue of misogyny and the treatment of women in Pakistani society. Dr. Cheema points out that the young girls at the event represent Pakistan’s future. These are girls who, in an ideal world, should be aspiring to work for leading global companies like Microsoft or becoming entrepreneurs and leaders in their own right. Instead, they were rejected and insulted by someone who should have been honoring their achievements.

Dr. Cheema explains how such actions send a damaging message to young women across Pakistan. By refusing to award these girls, Zakir Naik essentially labeled them as lesser human beings, which further marginalizes and disempowers them. “The youth of Pakistan are confused, especially the girls,” he lamented, adding that this kind of treatment only serves to undermine the progress that Pakistan is trying to make in terms of gender equality.

Right-Wing Islamist Influence

A significant portion of Dr. Cheema’s podcast focused on the influence of right-wing Islamist figures like Zakir Naik in shaping public opinion in Pakistan. According to Cheema, figures like Naik do not contribute to the development of Pakistani society. Instead, they promote regressive ideologies that hinder the country’s progress.

He emphasized that Pakistan is not Saudi Arabia or Iran, where ultraconservative interpretations of religion dominate public life. Pakistan has its own unique social fabric, and bringing figures like Naik into the spotlight only serves to pull the country backward.

“Now the question is, are we moving towards progress or are we stepping into a medieval mindset?” Cheema asked. He pointed out that even Saudi Arabia, a country once known for its strict religious conservatism, has begun to embrace more progressive policies, such as allowing women to drive and encouraging their participation in the workforce. “If even Saudi Arabia is becoming more moderate, why are we bringing in figures that want to keep us in the Stone Age?” Cheema remarked.

The Broader Impact on Society
Dr. Cheema also touched upon the broader societal implications of promoting individuals like Zakir Naik. He referred to a past incident in Pakistan where a woman was harassed because Arabic script on her clothing was mistaken for Quranic verses. This led to a near-fatal altercation, showcasing the dangers of religious extremism and misunderstanding.

Dr. Cheema warned that promoting individuals like Naik, who are associated with extremist views, could lead to a further rise in intolerance and social division in Pakistan. “What message are we sending to our youth by elevating such figures? Is this the future we want for our daughters?” he asked.

Women’s Empowerment and Pakistan’s Progress

Cheema’s podcast also serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s legacy of women’s empowerment. He cited examples of prominent women in Pakistani politics, such as Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim country, and other female leaders like Hina Rabbani Khar. Pakistan, despite its challenges, has had a history of empowering women in key roles, and this should be a source of pride.

However, incidents like the one involving Zakir Naik stand in stark contrast to this legacy. Cheema argues that by allowing Naik to insult and reject young girls, the government is not only disrespecting these girls but also disregarding Pakistan’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “Are we living in the medieval ages?” he asked, urging the government to take a clear stand against such regressive attitudes.

A Call for Change: The Role of Leadership

Towards the end of the podcast, Dr. Cheema emphasized the need for better leadership in Pakistan. He called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and other leaders to reflect on the kind of message they are sending by giving a platform to figures like Zakir Naik. “Our Prime Minister is giving state protocol and using government machinery for someone who refuses to even recognize our daughters. Is this the future we want for Pakistan?”

Dr. Cheema concluded by saying that Pakistan’s future depends on empowering its entire population, including women, and creating an inclusive, progressive society. He urged the government to be more pragmatic and forward-thinking in its decisions, especially when it comes to the individuals it chooses to promote as role models. Furthermore, the Zakir Naik controversy is not just about one man’s actions but about the broader implications for how Pakistan treats its youth and women. By promoting figures who uphold regressive and misogynistic views, Pakistan risks stalling its progress and alienating its future leaders.

The country needs role models who inspire, empower, and encourage the next generation to strive for excellence in all areas of life, whether it be education, business, or leadership. As Dr. Cheema reminds us, the choice is ultimately in the hands of the people and their leaders: What kind of future does Pakistan want to build?

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