Attack – Cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Assaulted in Jhelum Academy
Attack – Police in Pakistan’s Punjab province have detained a man accused of physically attacking prominent cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza during an event in Jhelum, according to a report published by Dawn.
Incident Reported at Research Academy
The confrontation occurred at the Qur’an-o-Sunnat Research Academy in Jhelum, where Mirza had delivered a lecture earlier that day. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the situation escalated after several attendees remained at the venue to take photographs with the scholar.
Muhammad Kashif Qureshi, who filed the complaint, stated in the FIR that a man suddenly approached the cleric and became violent. The suspect allegedly grabbed Mirza by the collar and struck him multiple times. The report further claimed that the attacker removed the cleric’s turban and threw it to the ground, an act described as deeply disrespectful. The assailant also allegedly attempted to choke him while shouting slogans.
The incident reportedly unfolded on Sunday and caused panic among those present at the academy.
Police Action and Legal Charges
District Police Officer Tariq Aziz Sindhu confirmed to Dawn that the suspect has been taken into custody. Authorities registered a case under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to attempted murder. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s identity or motive. However, police sources indicated that security measures around the cleric may be reassessed in light of the latest incident.
History of Security Concerns
This is not the first time Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has faced threats. According to police records, he was previously targeted in separate incidents and was granted protective custody last year under the Maintenance of Public Order law. The decision followed accusations of blasphemy made by an activist associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan.
Authorities had acted at the time to prevent potential unrest. Mirza was temporarily detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order before being transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency for further proceedings.
Previous Blasphemy Allegations
In 2024, a case was registered against the cleric in connection with a video posted on his YouTube channel. The complainant alleged that certain remarks in the video were offensive and misrepresented religious teachings, including verses from Surah al-Nisa. The accusations sparked controversy and prompted legal action under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
Officials later moved him into custody as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions. The matter drew significant attention on social media and among religious groups.
Online Presence and Public Profile
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is known for sharing detailed lectures on religious topics through digital platforms. His YouTube channel has attracted more than three million subscribers, reflecting a wide audience both within Pakistan and abroad.
In March 2021, he also survived an assassination attempt, further highlighting ongoing security challenges surrounding his public engagements. Despite past incidents, he has continued to hold lectures and maintain an active online presence.
Police officials said the current investigation will determine whether the latest attack was an isolated act or linked to prior controversies. No official statement has yet been released by the cleric regarding Sunday’s incident.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while the inquiry proceeds. Further updates are expected as investigators complete their preliminary findings.