Jhelum, Pakistan – Pakistan’s well-known cleric and YouTuber, Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, has once again landed in the spotlight after his arrest by Jhelum police on Tuesday. Authorities allege that Mirza made controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammad, leading to widespread outrage. He has been placed under 30-day custody under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act, a law often criticized for being misused to silence dissenting voices.
The Arrest and Trigger
According to reports, the arrest followed a viral interview clip in which Mirza repeated a phrase allegedly used by some groups while referring to Prophet Mohammad. The statement was considered offensive by many, prompting multiple religious organizations to lodge formal complaints. Acting swiftly, police booked Mirza under Section 3 of the MPO and sent him to jail.
Who is Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza?
A resident of Machine Mohalla, Jhelum, Mirza has gained both followers and critics for his blunt lectures on religion and society. His YouTube channel boasts over 3.1 million subscribers, making him one of Pakistan’s most influential religious voices online.
However, his outspoken views have made him a frequent target of controversy. Over the years, Mirza has survived at least four assassination attempts and faced multiple arrests on charges of blasphemy and hate speech.
Controversial Statements Beyond This Case
This latest incident is not isolated. Mirza has previously stirred debates by:
-
Comparing Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi, drawing criticism from nationalists.
-
Making remarks about Umayyad Caliph Mu’awiya I, deemed offensive by Sunni clerics.
-
Questioning traditional interpretations of Islamic history, sparking backlash from Deobandi and Barelvi scholars alike.
Timeline of Past Disputes
-
2020 – Arrested for alleged derogatory remarks on religious figures.
-
2021 – Survived an assassination attempt at a religious academy.
-
2021 – Debate challenge with Maulana Tariq Masood sparked controversies.
-
2023 – Accused Barelvi cleric Mufti Hanif Qureshi of backing out of a debate.
-
April 2023 – Booked under Section 295C for blasphemy allegations.
-
Muharram 2024 – Banned along with 16 other clerics from delivering sermons in Jhelum.
What is the MPO?
The Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, introduced in 1960, empowers the government to detain any person in the interest of public safety without trial. Human rights groups, however, argue that the law is misused to curb freedom of speech and silence independent voices rather than genuinely maintaining peace.
Reactions and Criticism
Lahore-based lawyer J. Sajjal Shahedi criticized the arrest, claiming it was politically motivated.
“This is not about public order; it is about silencing independent clerics who question mainstream narratives. Violent organizations roam free, while voices like Mirza are targeted,” he said.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mirza argue that his lectures are based on academic research and should not be criminalized. His critics, however, insist that his words create unrest and inflame sectarian tensions.
also read – Pakistan’s Claim on 1971 Atrocities Exposed: Bangladesh Rejects Ishaq Dar’s Apology Statement