Incident at Qur’an-o-Sunnat Research Academy
A man has been arrested after allegedly attacking religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in Jhelum, police confirmed on Sunday.
According to a First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred at the scholar’s Qur’an-o-Sunnat Research Academy. The attack reportedly happened at the end of a lecture session.
The complainant, Muhammad Kashif Qureshi, a core member of the academy, stated that many attendees were leaving after the lecture. Some individuals stayed behind to take selfies with Mirza.
During this time, a man allegedly grabbed the scholar by the collar. He reportedly punched him and removed his turban. The FIR states that the suspect threw the turban to the ground. He also allegedly tried to strangle Mirza and chanted slogans loudly.
People present at the venue intervened immediately. They restrained the suspect and handed him over to police officers stationed at the academy. Legal action was requested in the complaint.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
District Police Officer Tariq Aziz Sindhu confirmed the arrest. He stated that the suspect has been booked under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This section relates to attempted murder.
The DPO said investigations are ongoing. Police are examining the background and possible motives of the accused. Authorities are also reviewing security arrangements at the academy.
Sindhu revealed that a four-tier security system had already been deployed at the venue. Police had advised Mirza multiple times to avoid taking selfies with unknown attendees due to security concerns.
The officer noted that the scholar had faced threats in the past. He was taken into protective custody last year under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. This action followed accusations made by an activist linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Section 3 of the MPO allows authorities to detain individuals to maintain public order. Mirza was later released on bail in that case.
Past Controversies and Security Concerns
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is a resident of Machine Mohallah in Jhelum. He regularly uploads religious lectures and discussions on social media. His YouTube channel has more than 3.1 million followers.
The cleric has faced multiple legal and security challenges over the years. In 2024, he was among 17 clerics whose speeches were temporarily banned during Muharram. The move aimed to prevent potential sectarian tensions.
In March 2021, Mirza survived an assassination attempt at a religious academy. A suspect was arrested, and a case of attempted murder was registered.
In May 2020, he was also arrested over alleged derogatory remarks against certain religious figures. He was later granted bail.
Sunday’s attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of religious scholars in Pakistan. Police say security will remain tight while investigations continue.
