Renowned Pakistani religious scholar and reformist preacher Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, known for his outspoken views and large online following, was arrested on August 26, 2025, in Jhelum, Punjab. Authorities invoked Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, a preventive detention law that allows security officials to detain individuals considered a threat to public safety and religious harmony.
The arrest came after multiple religious groups filed petitions over controversial remarks made by Mirza in a recent online interview, which quickly spread on social media. Following the action, law enforcement sealed his research academy in Jhelum, and he was shifted to district jail custody.
This is not Mirza’s first encounter with the law. Over the years, he has faced accusations of hate speech and blasphemy, previously being charged under Pakistan Penal Code Sections 153-A and 295-C. His arrest highlights the ongoing tension between religious orthodoxy and voices calling for interpretive reform within Pakistan’s Islamic discourse.
Legal Context and Public Sensitivity
Section 3 of the MPO allows detention for up to 30 days to prevent unrest or violent reactions. Mirza’s reformist style, which often challenges mainstream religious authorities, has earned him millions of followers online but also made him a controversial figure in clerical circles. Officials say the decision was taken to avert potential sectarian clashes or public demonstrations.
Possible Repercussions
- Extended Preventive Custody: Authorities could hold him for the full 30-day term or seek an extension if tensions rise.
- Formal Legal Proceedings: Fresh cases may be filed based on his recent statements if they meet the threshold for prosecution.
- Impact on Digital Influence: With his research academy sealed, Mirza’s social media activity and content creation are temporarily restricted.
- Polarisation Among Religious Groups: The arrest may deepen divisions between conservative clergy, reformist scholars, and their supporters.
- Freedom of Speech Debate: The detention has reignited debate over the limits of religious discourse, raising questions about free speech versus maintaining peace.
Conclusion
The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order reflects Pakistan’s delicate balancing act between safeguarding religious harmony and managing the influence of outspoken digital-era scholars. His detention has sparked widespread debate, illustrating how sensitive religious discussions have become in the country’s sociopolitical climate. This high-profile case could set a precedent for how the state deals with religious controversies and public figures whose words carry national impact.
These days, he was giving very controversial statements.