Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a self-acclaimed scholar and popular YouTuber, was arrested by Jhelum police under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) on Monday night. The arrest came after strong public outrage over his recent remarks.
Officials confirmed that the order for detention was issued by the District Commissioner (DC) of Jhelum. Following his arrest, Muhammad Ali Mirza was transferred to jail as part of administrative measures. Authorities also sealed his local academy, where he used to deliver weekly lectures.
Background of the Arrest
The arrest followed a Fatwa issued by Islamic scholar Mufti Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Asif Jalali. The Fatwa alleged that Mirza’s comments about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were deeply offensive and amounted to apostasy (Murtad).
After the Fatwa, several clerical groups gathered with local administration officials, urging strict action. They demanded that Mirza be tried under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with blasphemy.
Religious leaders claimed that even prosecution under this section might not be enough to address the severity of the statements.
Reaction and Concerns
Muhammad Ali Mirza has built a large following on YouTube, where he is known for his bold interpretations of Islamic teachings. His arrest has sparked widespread debate among supporters and critics alike. Many of his followers expressed concern, calling for a transparent investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, local authorities stated that the action was not intended to target free speech but to ensure law and order. Officials emphasized that the detention under MPO Section 3 was a preventive measure to avoid unrest and violence in the region.
The case has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between clerics and reformist voices in Pakistan.
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