Police arrested Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in Jhelum on Monday night, local TVs have reported.
The reports of the arrest of popular yet controversial young religious scholar have drawn a wide reaction on social media platforms in Pakistan.
It remains unclear under what charges the police have arrested him. But a report appeared on a section of media claimed he was arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
Police, however, confirmed the sealing of his academy in Jhelum, a district of Punjab. A report quoting sources said that Deputy Commissioner Jhelum has issued instructions for the arrest of Muhammad Ali Mirza.
“Police took Mirza into custody and transferred him to jail as part of administrative measures under Section 3 of the MPO,” said the report. MPO permits detention of any individual to uphold public order.
Authorities have sealed the academy of Engineer Mirza to prevent any gatherings or activities.
Media reported that his detention comes amid increased scrutiny and monitoring of religious institutions in Pakistan.
Mirza Academy Sealed:
Mirza delivers lectures on religious topics particularly focusing on Islamic history. He is widely popular and also a highly controversial personality. His social media platform have followers in millions. Mirza is a vocal critic of PTI and its founder chairman Imran Khan, the incarcerated former prime minister. PTI supporters claim he is an agent of the country’s powerful military establishment. Many believe criticism on Imran Khan has damaged Mirza’s popularity. Public surveys described the former premier as most popular leader in Pakistan.
Some religious groups were already demanding his arrest over his “controversial” comments. But, it remains unclear whether he has been arrested under Blasphemy laws.
A journalist and social media influencer Ihtisham ul Haq claimed on X that National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza. But police or cyber crime authorities have not confirmed the charges against Engineer Mirza unclear so far.
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