
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik made headlines on October 8, 2024, with his sharp critique of Pakistan’s national airline, PIA. Naik, known for his provocative statements, took issue with the airline’s excessive baggage charges, drawing comparisons to India’s aviation sector. He stated, “Even a non-Muslim in India would find these charges unfair,” pointing to what he saw as poor service and high fees.
Naik’s comments sparked a debate on social media, with many in India comparing the efficiency of Indian carriers to their Pakistani counterparts. His remarks also touched on broader issues of service quality and governance in Pakistan, adding to the ongoing discourse around PIA’s financial troubles and operational challenges. The issue of excessive charges has been a longstanding grievance for travelers, but Naik’s statements have given it a new, more politically charged context.