Zakir Naik's Taliban education stance draws criticism across South Asia

Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik sparked widespread condemnation after publicly defending the Taliban's policies limiting female education, drawing rare unified criticism from audiences spanning India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Naik's comments on the Taliban's educational restrictions prompted sharp reactions from viewers and commentators across South and South-Central Asia, who took to social media and public forums to express their disapproval. The incident highlighted the divisive nature of the preacher's stance on women's education in Islamic societies.

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions surrounding girls' access to education in regions under Taliban influence. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has progressively restricted educational opportunities for female students, a policy that has drawn international criticism from human rights organizations and governments worldwide.

Naik, who has maintained a significant platform through digital media and lectures across Asia, has previously faced scrutiny over controversial statements on various religious and social issues. The current backlash reflects growing intolerance among audiences toward positions perceived as undermining women's rights to education.