Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Jhelum Police Arrest Prominent Islamic Scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza and Seal His Academy
JHELUM, Pakistan – August 26, 2025: In a significant move, Jhelum police have detained Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, one of the most influential Islamic clerics of the present era, under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) legislation. Authorities have also sealed his Jhelum Academy in Machine Mohalla, a key center for his widely followed religious teachings, as part of efforts to maintain public safety.
Sources confirm that the deputy commissioner of Jhelum, Syed Maysam Abbas, issued the orders for Mirza’s detention, which was carried out by local law enforcement in a midnight operation. The arrest, executed under Section 3 of the MPO, aims to prevent potential disruptions to public order.
Mirza has been shifted to Jhelum District Jail under heightened security. While specific reasons remain undisclosed, sources suggest a blasphemy complaint filed by Mufti Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Asif Jalali, alleging derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in an online video, may have prompted the action. The complaint is still under investigation.
In addition to the arrest, authorities have sealed Mirza’s academy, a hub for his religious lectures that attract thousands, to prevent gatherings that could potentially disturb public order. The premises are now under lock and key, reflecting the district administration’s intensified scrutiny of religious institutions amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, born on October 4, 1977, in Jhelum, Punjab, is a mechanical engineer-turned-Islamic preacher and YouTuber who has emerged as one of the most prominent and widely followed clerics in the Islamic world today.
With a YouTube channel boasting over 3.1 million subscribers and millions of views per video, Mirza commands an unparalleled online presence, particularly among the youth. His research-based lectures on the Quran and Sunnah, delivered in an accessible and engaging style, have resonated with a global audience, making him a leading voice in contemporary Islamic discourse.
Mirza’s appeal lies in his ability to connect with young Muslims through logical arguments and critical discussions of traditional religious practices. He challenges conventional narratives, often critiquing historical figures like Mu’awiya I and addressing contentious issues such as sectarianism and the status of Ahmadis.
This approach has earned him a massive following among younger audiences seeking a modern, rational perspective on Islam, but it has also sparked controversies and rivalries with traditional scholars like Tariq Masood and Mufti Hanif Qureshi.
A graduate of the University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Mirza previously held a government position in Punjab on the 19th pay scale before dedicating himself to religious outreach.
His influence extends beyond Pakistan, with followers across South Asia, the Middle East, and the global Muslim diaspora. His lectures, often live-streamed, draw thousands of viewers, and his social media presence amplifies his reach, making him a cultural and religious phenomenon among tech-savvy Muslim youth.
Mirza’s outspoken nature has not been without consequences. In May 2020, he was arrested on hate speech charges under Section 153-A of the Pakistan Penal Code after a controversial lecture resurfaced online, only to be released two days later on court orders.
He has also faced multiple assassination attempts, including incidents in March 2021 and August 2023, underscoring the polarizing impact of his teachings. A 2023 blasphemy case under Section 295C for allegedly downplaying the non-Muslim status of Ahmadis further fueled debates about his influence.
Mirza’s arrest has ignited widespread debate, particularly among his young followers, who view him as a reformist voice challenging outdated religious norms. On platforms like X, supporters are rallying with hashtags like #FreeEngineerMirza, calling the arrest an attack on free speech and progressive Islamic thought. Others, including some religious groups, support the authorities’ actions, citing the need to maintain public order.
The sealing of his academy and his detention mark a critical moment for Mirza’s movement, which has inspired countless young Muslims to engage with their faith critically. As investigations continue, legal challenges from his supporters are anticipated, with many calling for transparency regarding the allegations. For now, Mirza’s absence from the public sphere leaves a void for his millions of followers, who see him as a beacon of intellectual and spiritual guidance in the Islamic world.
Note: The allegations against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza are under investigation, and no official charges have been confirmed by authorities at this time.
