Renowned religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza on Tuesday was arrested by Jhelum City Police under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance.
The arrest took place at his academy in Jhelum, after which he was promptly shifted to a local jail facility. According to sources, the detention stemmed from multiple complaints lodged by various religious organizations against Mirza.
Additionally, delegations of religious scholars held discussions with district authorities, pressing for his arrest due to his controversial statements. Mirza, who commands a following of 3.1 million subscribers on YouTube, is widely recognized for his outspoken online lectures addressing social, cultural, and religious issues.
His bold and unfiltered style has frequently ignited debates, drawing both support and criticism from diverse groups. This is not the first time Mirza has faced legal action.
In May 2020, Jhelum police detained him under Section 153-A of the Pakistan Penal Code following the resurfacing of a controversial lecture on social media. He was released two days later after a court intervened.
Mirza’s arrests highlight the ongoing tension between his provocative discourse and certain religious factions, raising questions about freedom of expression and public order in Pakistan.
The latest detention has sparked discussions among his followers and critics alike, with many awaiting further developments in the case. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the specific reasons for his arrest under the MPO.
