Jhelum police have arrested renowned religious scholar and YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) on Tuesday.

 

According to media reports, police picked Mirza from his academy in Jhelum and shifted him to jail on the night of August 25. Reports revealed that religious parties had filed a petition against him, which led to the arrest. On Monday, delegations of various scholars met the district administration and demanded strict action.

 

Authorities also sealed Mirza’s academy and locked its premises to stop any gatherings or activities.

 

This is not the first time Mirza has faced legal trouble. In May 2020, police arrested him under Section 153-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with promoting enmity and inciting hatred. The arrest followed a viral clip from one of his lectures that allegedly contained remarks considered inflammatory and capable of triggering sectarian violence. Police claimed the clip mentioned certain individuals and suggested violent action against them, posing a threat to public peace. However, Mirza’s supporters argued that the video was taken out of context. He secured bail two days later after submitting a Rs 50,000 surety bond.

 

In 2023, Mirza faced multiple FIRs under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

 

Mirza, a qualified mechanical engineer, gained prominence through his lectures and discussions on religious issues. He runs a YouTube channel with more than 3 million subscribers, where he shares his views on Islamic teachings.