JHELUM (August 27) — Jhelum police have arrested influential cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance after charges of making controversial statements. A case was later also filed against him under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Mirza was arrested on Tuesday by Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Meesam Abbas and District Police Officer (DPO) Ahmed Mohiyuddin under Section 3 of the MPO, according to which authorities can arrest people to avoid threats to public safety or law and order.

Blasphemy FIR Registered

Independently, an FIR was registered at Jhelum City Police Station on August 26 under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code ( blasphemous remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016).

The petition complained that Mirza’s comments in a recent interview, which were widely shared on social media, had “severely hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.” The petitioner called for prompt legal action under the blasphemy laws.

Social Media Influence

Mirza, who hails from Machine Mohallah in Jhelum city, is a popular religious scholar with more than 3.1 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, through which he posts lectures and speeches on a regular basis.

Previous Controversies and Incidents

This is not the first time Mirza has had legal or security problems.

In May 2020, Jhelum police arrested him for allegedly making derogatory comments about some religious personalities, although he was later released on bail.

In March 2021, he survived an assassination bid at a religious academy. The attacker was arrested, and a case of attempted murder was registered.

Last year, Mirza was one of 17 clerics whose speeches were prohibited by the Jhelum district administration to avert sectarian unrest.

What Happens Next

With MPO detention as well as blasphemy charges instituted, Mirza’s case is likely to attract considerable legal and public interest. Authorities aver that the steps were initiated in order to avoid any disturbances in the area.