Karachi University Should Champion Science and Technology, Not Religious Rhetoric
- Tech Giants Like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Should Be Our Role Models, Not Controversial Clerics
- From Insulting Women to Accusing PIA of Bribery: Zakir Naik’s Troubling Conduct
Zakir Naik, a public speaker with a superficial understanding of Islam and limited knowledge, recently made headlines in Pakistan. Invited by the Government of Pakistan, his visit culminated in an astonishing gesture—he was awarded an honorary PhD by the University of Karachi. Zakir Naik Pakistan, PhD degree, and the University of Karachi are terms that now seem intertwined, leaving many questioning the credibility of this esteemed institution. With every degree handed out by Karachi University, I now find myself skeptical of its value.
Zakir Naik’s modest intellectual depth has left us wondering: what was the true purpose of inviting him? Was it to serve religion or to bolster the image of Pakistan in the global community? Unfortunately, his appearance seems to have achieved neither. Walk around Pakistan today, and you’ll hear common people—from cobblers to butchers—express opinions that seem more well-reasoned than Naik’s public addresses. Should we then assume that these individuals, simply by sharing their thoughts, are also worthy of a PhD?
One cannot overlook Zakir Naik’s troubling track record, which raises serious concerns about his morals and character. From disgracing women on national television to insulting female audience members who dared to ask questions, Naik’s public behavior has been appalling. In one instance, he blamed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for asking for bribes—yet another controversy that tarnished his image. Given these actions, what message does it send to the world when a respected university grants such a figure an honorary degree? It’s a decision that seems more like a misstep than a moment of pride.
The decision to honor Zakir Naik on a state level reflects poorly on us as a nation. Rather than showcasing individuals who excel in science, technology, or global finance, we have chosen to elevate someone who offers little more than religious rhetoric. This is not how Pakistan can project a modern, progressive image to the world.
If we genuinely want to foster progress, we need to focus on calling individuals like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Jack Ma, and Jeff Bezos—people who have redefined industries, led revolutions in technology, and driven economic transformation. By inviting such figures to speak at our universities, we can ignite the minds of our youth, inspiring them to pursue meaningful careers in technology, science, and finance. These individuals are the role models Pakistan should be looking up to, not so-called clerics who offer nothing in terms of tangible progress.
For Pakistan to thrive in the 21st century, our universities must focus on nurturing researchers, innovators, and problem solvers. We need to develop a workforce capable of competing on a global scale. Karachi University, and other higher education institutions in Pakistan, should be hubs for critical thinking and innovation, not platforms for superficial speakers. We should prioritize hosting sessions with international leaders who can share knowledge about finance, education, and technology.
Our students deserve role models who inspire them to aim higher, innovate, and contribute to global solutions. The time has come to reconsider who we invite and celebrate as intellectuals in Pakistan. Let’s start valuing people who push the boundaries of science and technology, rather than individuals who recycle religious platitudes. If we want our universities to be taken seriously, we must align ourselves with global giants in research, not with those whose knowledge is paper-thin.
In the end, Pakistan’s future lies in educating and empowering its youth through the expertise of global leaders. Our students deserve better, and so does our nation.