Two Indian doctors — Dr. Zakir Naik and Dr. S. Jaishankar — are currently in Pakistan for very different reasons. Naik, a fugitive preacher wanted in India for promoting religious enmity and money laundering, continued his rhetoric of division.
Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Minister, arrived for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, representing India in crucial discussions on regional security and counterterrorism. Their contrasting roles, behaviours, and receptions shed light on the ideological divides in the region.
Evasion and extremism: Zakir Naik’s presence in Pakistan is unsurprising given the country’s history of harbouring controversial figures. Naik, who has used his religious platform to promote divisive ideologies, continues to enjoy support from radical elements in Pakistan. Known for his evasion when faced with tough questions, Naik’s recent Q&A session with a Christian youth provided a glaring example of his inability to engage in rational discourse.
When asked about religious differences and salvation, Naik could have responded with respect and clarity. Instead, he dodged the question entirely, embarking on irrelevant tangents about astronomy, linguistics, and dietary habits — none of which addressed the core inquiry. At one point, he even digressed into an unnecessary discussion about why Christians eat pork, leaving the audience confused and the questioner frustrated.
Naik’s penchant for avoiding direct answers reveals his approach to tough situations: sidestep and obfuscate rather than engage in meaningful dialogue. His presence in Pakistan allows him to continue spreading this rhetoric, playing to an audience that often glorifies his extremist views, while he deflects any accountability for his actions back home. The damage caused by his divisive message only deepens the region’s religious and communal tensions.
Diplomacy amid tension: In stark contrast to Naik’s divisiveness, Dr. Jaishankar represented India on the global stage with professionalism and restraint. His visit to Pakistan for the SCO meeting underscored the delicate balance of diplomacy between the two nations. Despite the tense relationship between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar focused on India’s regional priorities, including counterterrorism and economic cooperation.