Veena Malik now wants to devote herself to studying Islam

Veena Malik, the controversial Pakistani actress whose appearance on the Indian TV show "Bigg Boss" sparked a row in this country, has now decided to devote herself to the study of Islam. The one-time model and actress, who has spent the past few years abroad, said she is going to devote herself to the study of Islam under the tutelage of Mufti Naeem, of madrassah Jamia Binoria, and will ensure that her children receive an Islamic education too. The 32-year-old actress, who has spent the past few years abroad, said this at a press conference here yesterday. "In my two years in America, I read a lot of literature recommended by Junaid Jamshed sahib and said that I would study at Mufti Naeem's institute. Jamai Binaora is one of the best institutes," she said flanked by her husband and Mufti Naeem. "My life was turned upside down a while ago and my elders cautioned me that it's very hard to stay on the right path in times like this. And indeed, in the past three years, I have been tempted to stray several times, but thankfully, I have had Mufti Naeem, Maulana Tariq Jamil and Junaid Jamshed sahib to guide me," she added. When asked if she would invite fellow celebrities to follow her example, Veena said she could only do that when she becomes "a perfect person, which will never happen". She said, "but the doors of Jamia Binora have always been open for me, and are open for anyone who chooses to seek its guidance." The announcement is surprising given Veena's relationship with the religious community in the past. In 2011, after Veena appeared on Indian TV show Bigg Boss, members of the religious community in Pakistan criticised her harshly, with Mufti Abdul Qawi saying on national TV: "You have insulted Pakistan and Islam." Veena was also criticised for appearing on FHM magazine's cover in 2011 that was deemed controversial by many in Pakistan.