ISLAMABAD – Self-acclaimed religious scholar and YouTube sensation Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was declared guilty of blasphemy by Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) but Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the opinion of the top religious body.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of Islamabad High Court highlighted constitutional loophole, ruling only the president, a governor, or Parliament has the authority to seek the CII’s opinion.
Private individuals or organizations are not allowed to do so in this capacity. “Whether a private entity can obtain such an opinion is a critical question that demands further arguments,” the judge said. CII’s director general has submitted all relevant documents to the court for review.
The court adjourned the hearing until December 4 and has explicitly prohibited the use of the CII opinion in any court proceedings, investigations, or official actions until then. Authorities, including the FIA, police, and other relevant agencies, have been instructed to ensure absolute clarity regarding future CII opinions.
The case has drawn intense attention after the CII reportedly found Mirza guilty following a review of materials provided by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, including case documents and religious assessments. Mirza, who was detained in August under public order laws, faces blasphemy charges for allegedly making provocative remarks. The Council concluded that his statements were blasphemous and recommended action under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was arrested in late August under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) after backlash over his remarks about Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The arrest came after a fatwa labeled his statements offensive and several clerical groups pushed for blasphemy charges under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Authorities said the action aimed to maintain public order. Mirza, known for his outspoken lectures on Islam with millions of YouTube followers, has previously survived an assassination attempt at his academy in 2021. His supporters have raised concerns over the strict legal and administrative measures taken against him.
