A blasphemy case has been registered against religious scholar Muhammad Ali Mirza at the City Police Station Jhelum following a local citizen’s complaint.
According to police, the case falls under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which addresses blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the religion of Islam. This section carries the death penalty under Pakistani law.
Authorities have also sealed Mirza’s academy to maintain order, while heavy police deployment has been placed around his residence and academy. The step was taken to prevent any possible unrest in the city.
Just a day before the case, Muhammad Ali Mirza was detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law and shifted to Jhelum District Jail.
The MPO law allows the government to detain individuals considered a threat to public safety, though detentions cannot exceed six consecutive months without judicial review.
Complaint Details
Jhelum police spokesperson Umer Saeed confirmed that the case was based on a written complaint to the District Police Officer (DPO). The complainant alleged that Mirza’s recent remarks during an interview “hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims” and requested legal action.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chaudhry Shehbaz Hanjra, who personally arrested Mirza, told the media that he was informed of the allegations and the sensitivity of the situation.
He added: “No one apart from his lawyers and close family will be allowed to meet him in District Jail, as this is a sensitive matter and protecting human life is our top priority.”
Hanjra also explained that Mirza’s detention under MPO was an immediate administrative measure. He noted that an inquiry is underway to determine whether a formal criminal trial will proceed.
No Legal Representation Yet
At present, Muhammad Ali Mirza has not appointed legal counsel and has not challenged his detention under the MPO. Jail officials confirmed that due to the sensitivity of the case, no visitors were allowed to meet him on Monday.
In other news read more about Why Was Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Arrested? Everything You Need to Know
