A well-known religious scholar and YouTube speaker Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was arrested from his academy. His followers, who have long viewed him as a bold voice in religious reform, were left shocked and confused.
According to police, the arrest was carried out under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance a law that allows authorities to detain individuals without formal charges for up to three months, if they re seen as a threat to public peace.
Soon after the arrest, law enforcement sealed off Mirza’s academy in Machine Mohalla, a familiar place for many who regularly attended his lectures. The area quickly filled with curious onlookers and concerned locals. Officials said the move was a "preventive measure", citing rising complaints and concerns over his online content, which has often sparked heated debates among religious circles.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also raided the premises. However, no official criminal case has been registered so far.
Also Read: Controversial cleric Muhammad Ali Mirza arrested, Jhelum Academy sealed
On social media, reactions poured in. Many of Mirza’s supporters condemned the arrest, calling it a politically motivated attempt to silence a reformist voice. Others argued that his rhetoric had long crossed the line and this step was necessary to prevent further division in society.
I Muhammad Ali, I strongly support & stand with Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza ( EMAM ) My Islamic Teacher
— @ali_ki_batein🔥❤ (@Ali_Tweeetss) August 26, 2025
May ALLAH give him strength & Sabar to His Family #ReleaseEngineerMirza #EngineerMuhammadAliMirza #alimirza #Engineermohammadalimirza pic.twitter.com/ALh6RKhqzF
For many, this is not just about one man being arrested it’s about the broader struggle between free speech, religious interpretation, and state control in Pakistan. Mirza’s bold and often controversial takes on Islamic history and sectarianism have earned him both a massive fan following and fierce opposition.
This isn’t the first time he has faced legal trouble. Back in May 2020, Mirza was arrested on charges of promoting sectarian hate speech under Section 153-A, but was later released on bail. In April 2023, another case was filed against him under Section 16 of the MPO and Article 295-C the blasphemy law after religious groups accused him of offensive remarks. That case, however, did not proceed to trial.
