President Bishop of the Synod, Church of Pakistan, Rev Dr Azad Marshall, has shot a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari which he voiced his concerns over fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's remarks against his community.

Naik recently visited Pakistan as a state guest.

His visit to the South Asian country ended last week.

During this period, he attended several public speeches and individual discussions.

In the letter (a copy of which is available with Dawn newspaper), Dr Marshall says, “Dr Zakir Naik’s public addresses have caused significant distress within our [Christian] community, as he openly questioned the authenticity of our faith, discredited our sacred texts, and made statements that undermine the beliefs of Christian pastors and scholars.”

The letter says that Dr Naik’s remarks not only caused “religious offense but also undermined the national pride of all Pakistanis, regardless of their faith”.

The Bishop also urged the government to take immediate action.

“Dr Zakir Naik’s comments were done in open forums where our Pastors and scholars were denied the opportunity to adequately respond or correct the misinformation spread by his ill-informed views,” Dr Marshall added.