Islamabad High Court is hearing a case challenging the Islami Ideology Council’s resolution declaring Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza guilty of blasphemy. The court has given the council one final week to submit a written response — warning that failure to do so may result in a decision being issued without it.
During the hearing, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani highlighted that if the court accepts this new concept, all blasphemy cases could end up being referred to the Islamic Ideology Council. The council was instructed to submit its reply within a week, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 12.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Mirza has filed an application to become a party in the case, but the registrar’s office raised objections. The court said the objections must be resolved before any decision on his application can be made.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is a prominent religious scholar known for his unconventional views. Despite facing past assassination attempts, he remains active and influential through his YouTube channel, which has millions of subscribers. Critics note that he does not align with any specific sect, which often sparks controversy, but his reasoned arguments have attracted a large following.
Previously, a blasphemy case was registered against him in Jhelum on August 26, 2025, under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries the death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was also detained under a 3MP Ordinance for public safety concerns, but only lawyers and family were allowed to meet him due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The Islamic Ideology Council reviewed his statements, claiming some remarks contained elements of “blasphemy” without religious necessity, and even sought clarification from Pakistan’s Christian community on whether his statements conflicted with their beliefs.