Pakistani cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was arrested and detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act of 1960, following complaints from various religious parties. Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is a prominent YouTuber cleric known for his controversial religious lectures, which have sparked significant debate within Pakistan’s complex socio-political landscape.
Police detained Mirza under Section 3-MPO, which permits authorities to arrest individuals whose actions are considered a threat to public safety or order. This decision was made in response to complaints from various religious groups, although the specific allegations have not been disclosed. Mirza, who survived a knife attack during a lecture in 2021, has a substantial online following, boasting 3.1 million YouTube subscribers and 2,400 videos.
Read: Muhammad Ali Mirza Faces Backlash Comments on Imran Khan
Mirza’s arrest occurs during increased scrutiny of influential figures in Pakistan, where religious discourse frequently exacerbates tensions. His lectures, which combine Islamic scholarship with critical analysis, have polarised audiences; according to a 2025 Pew Research survey, 60% of his viewers support his reformist perspectives. This case is linked to ongoing security challenges, as the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported 78 terrorist attacks in June 2025.
Mirza’s detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act, which has previously been used against political activists, raises issues regarding judicial independence. Justice Athar Minallah recently emphasised the need for independent courts. This case could also have significant implications for online religious content, especially considering that there are 45 million YouTube users in Pakistan.
