JHELUM: An attack attempt on religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was reported at his academy in Jhelum. According to police, the incident occurred after Mirza delivered a lecture. Later, he joined a photo session with the participants of the lecture.
According to police, Mirza remained safe, and police have arrested the suspect at the spot.
Incident Occurred During Post-Lecture Photo Session
Police officials said a young man entered the room and raised slogans before attempting to assault Mirza. Authorities said the suspect was unarmed and allegedly tried to attack the scholar during the gathering. Police also claimed the suspect is a resident of Abbottabad and has alleged links with a proscribed organisation.
Following the incident, police registered a case at the City Police Station, Jhelum. According to the complainant, the suspect grabbed Mirza by the throat with both hands. People present at the academy quickly overpowered him and handed him over to police.
FIR Mentions Slogans Linked to TLP
The First Information Report (FIR) states that the attacker shouted slogans during the incident, including slogans associated with the religiopolitical party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). However, the party has not issued any statement on the matter so far.
Meanwhile, Mirza’s lawyer, Muhammad Tahir Ayyubi, provided additional details of the incident in comments to the BBC. He said the suspect entered the room under the pretext of taking a photograph.
The lawyer added that the suspect handed his mobile phone to a member of the administration and requested a picture with Mirza. However, as soon as he approached the scholar, he allegedly attacked him and attempted to strangle him while raising a slogan.
Police continue to investigate the case and have not yet shared further details regarding the suspect’s background or possible motives.
