ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s exceptional efforts in spreading the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and promoting Islamic values worldwide. The prime minister warmly welcomed Dr Naik, expressing his admiration for his scholarly work. He said the entire Ummah was proud of him for projecting the real image of Islam in the world. He said it was heartening to note that a vast majority of the youth listened to his lectures. PM Shehbaz said he had personally benefited from the preacher’s lectures, add­ing that the people of Pakistan fully admired him and they were happy over his presence in Pakistan. The prime minister said he was happy to know that Dr Naik’s son was also following in the footsteps of his father and serving Islam. In his remarks, Dr Naik said that Pakistan was the only country in the world which was founded on Islamic principles. He said Islam is offered comprehensive guidance to the entire humanity and encompassed every aspect of their lives. He reiterated his commitment to continuing efforts to spread the message of Islam globally, saying “the success lies in following the Islamic teachings”. Recalling that he had last visited Pakistan in the early 1990s, he said he still had fond memories of that tour. The religious scholar also met the JUI-F chief on Tuesday and said he was fond of meeting Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He said he has a great affection for Pakistan. Dr Naik said it was his mission to forge unity among all schools of thought of Islam.