The court has extended the suspension of the Islamic Ideology ruling concerning Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza until December 4. The original decision, issued in a written order on November 12, directed that the Council of Islamic Ideology’s opinion remain suspended until the next hearing.
Authorities have been instructed that the Council’s opinion cannot be referred to in any judicial forum during this period. The court clarified that the FIA, police, and other relevant bodies must ensure clarity regarding the scope under which any future opinion from the Council may be issued.
The case was filed by Dr. Muhammad Salim Khaki, who challenged the Council of Islamic Ideology’s opinion on the religious scholar. This comes amid growing controversies surrounding Mirza, a popular religious figure known for his online lectures and social commentary.
Earlier, the police registered a case against Mirza under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR was lodged at the City Police Station in Jhelum following a citizen’s complaint. Authorities also sealed Mirza’s academy in Jhelum to prevent any public unrest.
A police contingent was deployed around the scholar’s residence and academy to maintain order. The FIR registration follows Mirza’s detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO), after several religious groups filed complaints demanding legal action against him.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has a substantial online following, with over 3.1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. He is known for discussing religious and social issues, which has occasionally sparked controversy.
This is not Mirza’s first encounter with threats to his safety. In March 2021, he survived an assassination attempt at his academy in Jhelum when an unknown attacker tried to stab him. The assailant was later arrested, and Mirza sustained minor injuries.
The extended suspension of the Islamic Ideology ruling allows more time for legal proceedings and ensures that the Council’s opinion cannot be used against Mirza until the next court hearing. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any escalation.
The court emphasized that any future Islamic Ideology ruling must adhere strictly to legal guidelines and due process.
In other news read more about:CII Declares Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Guilty of Blasphemy; What Comes Next?
