Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza’s attack was reported late Sunday night at his academy in Jhelum, according to local police. The incident occurred after a lecture while the religious scholar was taking photographs with attendees.
Authorities confirmed that Mirza was not injured. The suspect was arrested at the scene and taken into custody immediately.
Police said the attacker was a young man who was unarmed. He reportedly raised slogans before attempting to assault Mirza during the photo session.
According to officials, the suspect approached Mirza under the pretext of requesting a photograph. After handing over his mobile phone to an administrator in the room, he suddenly grabbed Mirza by the throat with both hands.
The complainant stated in the First Information Report (FIR) that the suspect shouted slogans during the incident, including those associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The party has not issued any statement regarding the matter so far.
Mirza’s lawyer, Muhammad Tahir Ayyubi, told the BBC that the attacker tried to strangle the scholar immediately after raising a slogan. People present at the academy overpowered the suspect and handed him over to the police.
Read: Cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Arrested Under MPO in Pakistan
Police added that the suspect is reportedly a resident of Abbottabad and is said to have links with a proscribed organisation. However, authorities have not released further details at this stage.
A case has been registered at the City Police Station in Jhelum. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the assault attempt.
The swift response by attendees and law enforcement prevented any physical harm to Mirza. Officials have reiterated that security measures remain in place as the inquiry continues.
