Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza sent on seven-day physical remand

RAWALPINDI: A local court in Rawalpindi on Friday granted a seven-day physical remand of cleric and self-styled religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in an alleged blasphemy case.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) produced Mirza before Senior Civil Judge Waqar Hussain Gondal, who approved the physical remand.

The court directed the FIA to complete the investigation and present the accused again on September 19.

The FIA arrested Mirza after a raid on his academy in Machine Mohalla, Jhelum, between the night of August 25 and August 26.

He was later booked under blasphemy laws following a case accusing him of making disrespectful remarks about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and “misrepresenting” verses from the Holy Qur’an. He was subsequently moved to Jhelum District Jail under preventive detention orders.

According to official documents, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him at the City Police Station in Jhelum under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment for blasphemy against the Prophet (PBUH).

He was also booked under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which addresses hate speech and incitement of sectarian violence online.

Mirza was taken into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, a preventive measure used to deter potential unrest. Authorities also sealed his Qur’an-o-Sunnat Research Academy in Jhelum, citing public order concerns.

Later, additional provisions were included in the FIR against Mirza. Police said the charges stemmed from a viral video in which he allegedly made controversial remarks during an online lecture. The clip sparked backlash on social media and protests in several cities demanding legal action.

The new charges included Section 295-A (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), Section 298 (uttering words wounding religious sentiments), and Section 298-A (derogatory remarks against the companions or family of the Prophet).

Sources said Mufti Dr Muhammad Ashraf Asif Jalali had lodged a complaint against Mirza, accusing him of blasphemy. A fatwa issued by Darul Ifta Markazi Sirat-e-Mustaqeem also levelled similar allegations against him.

Previous arrest

Mirza, who is known for his online lectures on religious and social issues, has a YouTube following of 3.1 million. This is not the first time he has faced arrest.

In May 2020, Jhelum police detained him under Section 153-A of the PPC after a controversial lecture resurfaced online. The section pertains to hate speech and incitement. He was released on court orders two days later.