ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) opinion concerning Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in a blasphemy-related case. The suspension, initially ordered on November 12, has now been extended until December 4, during which the Council’s opinion cannot be cited in any judicial forum.
The court instructed authorities, including the FIA, police, and other relevant bodies, to ensure clarity regarding the issuance of any future opinion by the Council. The case was filed by Dr. Muhammad Salim Khaki, who had challenged the CII’s prior opinion on Mirza.
Read More: CII declares engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza blasphemy accused
Earlier, the police registered an FIR against the religious scholar under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code. Mirza’s academy in Jhelum was also sealed, and a police contingent was deployed around his residence and institution to prevent any untoward incidents.
The action follows Mirza’s detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) after complaints were filed by several religious groups demanding action against him. Mirza, a prominent online religious scholar, has a YouTube following of over 3.1 million subscribers.
Read More: Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza shifted to Adiala Jail
Mirza survived an assassination attempt in March 2021, when an unknown attacker tried to stab him at his academy. He sustained minor injuries, while the assailant was arrested.