A Mega-Superstar Tele-Evangelist, and He's Not Christian (He's Islamic)

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Declan Walsh

PAKISTAN--- The audience erupted as Aamir Liaquat Hussain, Pakistan’s premier televangelist, darted around the television studio, firing off questions about Islam. “How many gates are there to heaven?” he challenged. Children leapt from their seats, their mothers yelled answers, fathers strained forward, all hoping to catch the eye of Mr. Hussain, who worked the crowd like a circus ringmaster — cajoling, teasing, rewarding. Mr. Hussain, 41, is a broadcasting sensation in Pakistan. Yet Mr. Hussain is also a deeply contentious figure, accused of using his television pulpit to promote hate speech and crackpot conspiracy theories. Now, Mr. Hussain casts himself as a repentant sinner. In interviews, prompted by his own management, he portrays himself as a torchbearer for progressive values. “Islam is a religion of harmony, love and peace,” he said, as he waited to have his makeup refreshed. “But tolerance is the main thing.” [link]