Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Held in Jhelum Under MPO

A Sudden Crackdown in Jhelum

In a surprising turn of events, renowned religious scholar and YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was arrested in Jhelum on August 25, 2025, under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. The arrest, ordered by the Jhelum Deputy Commissioner, took place at his academy in Machine Mohalla, with police sealing the premises to prevent gatherings. This dramatic move has sparked heated debates across Pakistan, with social media buzzing about the controversial cleric’s detention.

The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a mechanical engineer turned religious speaker with a massive online following, has raised eyebrows. Known for his outspoken views on religious issues, his detention under the MPO law, which allows preventive custody for up to three months to maintain public peace, has left supporters and critics divided. Here’s what you need to know about this unfolding story.

The Arrest and Its Context

The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza unfolded late on August 25, 2025, when Jhelum police, backed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), raided his academy. The operation followed a complaint filed a day earlier, alleging that Mirza made controversial religious statements. He was taken into custody under Section 3 of the MPO, a law that empowers authorities to detain individuals deemed a threat to public order, and was later shifted to Jhelum District Jail under tight security

The move wasn’t just about the arrest. Authorities sealed Mirza’s academy, locking its doors to stop any activities or gatherings, a step described as part of a broader crackdown on religious institutions in the district. The Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza case has drawn attention due to his prominence, with 3.1 million YouTube subscribers and a reputation for candid discussions on sensitive topics.

Why the Controversy?

Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is no stranger to controversy. His lectures, often shared online, tackle religious and social issues, earning him both a loyal following and fierce critics. The 2025 arrest stems from allegations of provocative statements, citing a blasphemy case under Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code, filed by complainant Umair Ali Qadri. The case claims Mirza made derogatory remarks about Islam’s sacred personalities and the Quran, though authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on the charges.

This isn’t Mirza’s first brush with the law. In May 2020, he was detained under Section 153-A for alleged hate speech after an old lecture went viral, but he was released on bail two days later, per humenglish.com. He also survived an assassination attempt in March 2021, when an assailant tried to stab him at his academy, leaving him with minor injuries. These incidents highlight the polarizing nature of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, whose bold commentary often stirs debate.

Public Reaction and Online Buzz

The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has set social media alight. Posts from August 25, 2025, reflect a mix of support and criticism. Some users hailed the move, alleging Mirza’s remarks were disrespectful, while others called it an attack on free speech, per pakobserver.net. The debate underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and maintaining public order in Pakistan, especially when religious sentiments are involved.

Supporters of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza argue that his detention is an overreach, pointing to his large following and contributions to religious discourse. Critics, however, see the arrest as a necessary step to curb potentially inflammatory content. The sealing of his academy has added fuel to the fire, with some questioning whether the government is targeting vocal figures to control narratives, as hinted in posts on X.

Challenges and Broader Implications

The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza raises questions about the use of laws like the MPO. Designed to maintain public peace, the ordinance allows detention without immediate charges, which some see as prone to misuse. The 2020 blasphemy case against Mirza, which led to his brief detention, sparked similar debates about the weaponization of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, as noted by thefridaytimes.com. The lack of a formal statement on the 2025 charges has only deepened public curiosity and skepticism.

The sealing of Mirza’s academy also signals a broader crackdown on religious institutions in Jhelum. Authorities have increased scrutiny of such spaces, citing the need to prevent unrest, per mmnews.tv. This move comes amid heightened tensions, with the Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza case drawing parallels to other high-profile arrests, like that of journalist Khalid Jamil in Islamabad, reported by themarkhortimes.com.

Looking Ahead

As Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza remains in custody, the focus is on what comes next. Will the authorities clarify the charges, or will the case linger under the MPO’s preventive detention clause? The Jhelum police have promised updates in line with official procedures, with strict security around the academy to avoid incidents, per brandsynario.com. Meanwhile, Mirza’s supporters are rallying online, demanding his release and calling for transparency.

The Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza saga is a reminder of Pakistan’s complex relationship with free speech, religion, and public order. His arrest has sparked a national conversation, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds. As the nation grapples with these issues, the story of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza continues to captivate, raising questions about the balance between expression and stability in a deeply religious society.