What is the latest update in Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza case?

JHELUM: Religious scholar and social media personality Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has been formally booked under blasphemy laws following the registration of a case alleging that he made disrespectful remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and misrepresented verses from the Qur’an. Authorities confirmed that he has also been moved to Jhelum District Jail under preventive detention orders.

Also read: Blasphemy FIR surfaces against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza

According to official documents and media reports, the First Information Report (FIR), filed at the City Police Station in Jhelum on August 26, includes charges under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The section mandates the death penalty or life imprisonment for blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, which addresses hate speech and the incitement of sectarian violence online.

On August 25, Mirza had been taken into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, a preventive measure employed by law enforcement to deter potential unrest. His Qur’an-o-Sunnat Research Academy in Jhelum was sealed by local authorities, citing public order concerns. Engineer Mirza had been shifted to the district jail as a precautionary measure.

There was initial confusion surrounding his detention, with Punjab police officials denying that he was in their custody even after reports surfaced of the FIR. However, subsequent developments confirmed that he remains in administrative detention while the case proceeds.

WHAT IS NEW?

Details available as of until Sunday (September 7) show that two more clauses of the PECA act have been added to Engineer Mirza’s list of crimes. Police allege that the charges stem from a viral video in which Mirza allegedly made controversial religious statements during one of his online lectures. The clip prompted significant backlash on social media and led to protests in several cities demanding legal action.

The new charges include Section 295-A (outraging religious feelings), Section 298 (wounding religious sentiments), and Section 298-A (derogatory remarks against companions or family of the Prophet).

Legal experts note that this is not the first time Pakistan’s cybercrime and blasphemy laws have intersected. In a recent similar case, YouTuber Rajab Butt faced combined charges under 295-A and PECA for naming a perfume “295,” which was perceived as a mockery of the blasphemy statutes.

Mirza, a self-styled reformist scholar known for his blunt critiques of sectarian clerics, has long been a controversial figure in Pakistan’s religious landscape. While he commands a significant following online, his outspoken style has drawn criticism and legal threats from various religious factions over the years.

Also read: Cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza arrested; academy sealed

Human rights advocates have expressed concern over the use of blasphemy and cybercrime laws to silence dissent and religious debate.

As of now, Engineer Mirza remains in jail, and no formal court hearing date has been announced. Security has been tightened around his academy and residence, and police say the situation is being closely monitored to prevent unrest.