Jhelum Police have arrested well-known religious scholar, Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, taking him into custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. Authorities confirm that his academy has also been sealed on official orders.
According to the police officials, Mirza was arrested under the directives of the Jhelum Deputy Commissioner and later transferred to jail. The arrest was carried out as part of the administrative measures under the 3MPO law, which allows detention to maintain public order. Authorities also sealed Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza’s academy, locking its premises to prevent any gatherings or activities. The action comes amid heightened monitoring of religious institutions across the district.
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A religious group had filed a complaint against engineer Muhammed Ali Mirza yesterday, requesting legal action for his alleged controversial remarks that he made during an interview that went viral on social media.
Mirza was also among the 17 clerics whose speeches were banned by the Jhelum DC during Muharram last year to prevent any potential sectarian violence. The popular cleric survived an assassination attempt as well at a religious academy in March 2021. The suspect was taken into custody, and a case of attempted murder was registered against him.
The cleric had also been booked and arrested in May 2020 for derogatory remarks against some religious figures. However, he was later released on bail. Mirza, the resident of Mashin Mohalla of Jhelum City, frequently uploads his lectures and speeches on his social media account, which has 3.1 million followers on YouTube. Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Misam Abbas and District Police Officer Ahmad Muhyuddin confirmed Mirza’s arrest under 3MPO.
Social media has given mixed reactions to his arrest by the police in the 3MPO order. Some users have criticized the arrest, calling it unfair and an attack on free speech. Others have welcomed the move, saying Mirza’s lectures are often divisive and controversial.