During the hearing, the Council once again failed to present its written response. The court accepted the request for more time but warned that this would be the final extension.

Meanwhile, Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza himself decided to become a party in the case and filed a separate application.

However, the registrar’s office raised objections to his plea, preventing it from being heard in court.

Mirza’s lawyer informed the bench that “Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has also submitted a request to be included as a party in the case, but due to objections, it is not listed today.”

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked that the case had originated from the Council’s opinion. “If we follow this new concept, then all blasphemy-related cases should be referred to the Islamic Ideology Council,” he observed.

Lawyer Dr Aslam Khaki argued that the Council had exceeded its powers. “It can only give opinions when requested by the President or a provincial governor,” he said.

Justice Kayani noted, “Perhaps the Council has been given investigation powers.” In response, Khaki urged the court to suspend the Council’s resolution against Engineer Mirza.

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The judge replied, “That will be difficult right now since the other side’s response is still pending. I can’t issue an interim order until I see their reply. I’m giving one final week, if they don’t respond, I’ll pass the order.”

The court then adjourned the hearing until November 12.