The IHC Suspends CII Opinion on Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza after a legal challenge has shaken the foundations of the Council of Islamic Ideology’s authority. The Islamabad High Court (IHC), led by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, has temporarily halted the CII’s advisory ruling on the controversial religious scholar while crucial questions remain unanswered.
Key Developments: IHC Blocks CII Ruling
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The Islamabad High Court has suspended the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) opinion regarding Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in a blasphemy-related case. Daily Times+2ARY News+2
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The suspension, which began on November 12, has been extended until December 4. During this period, the CII’s opinion cannot be cited in any court or used in an investigation. Daily Times+1
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The court has specifically instructed authorities — including the FIA, police, and other relevant bodies — to clarify future procedures for issuing opinions by the Council. Karachi News
Constitutional Challenge: Who Can Approach the CII?
Justice Kayani raised a serious constitutional issue: under Pakistan’s law, only the president, a governor, or Parliament can formally seek the Council of Islamic Ideology’s opinion — not private individuals or institutions. Pakistan Today+2Suno News+2
The court asked whether a private entity should even be allowed to petition the CII, highlighting concerns about precedent and institutional overreach. Pakistan Today
Mirza’s Role Strengthened in Court
In a significant move, the IHC allowed Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza himself to become a party to the case. Pakistan Today+1
Advocate Tahir Ayubi argued that Mirza should be heard directly because the Council’s opinion has potentially irreversible reputational and legal consequences. UrduPoint
The judge agreed, granting Mirza formal standing in the petition filed by Dr. Aslam Khaki. The News International+1
Legal and Investigative Pressure on CII
Earlier, the IHC issued notices to various bodies — the CII, the FIA, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) — demanding answers about how the Council classified Mirza as “blasphemous.” Daily Pakistan
The judge questioned how this referral to the CII happened, especially since the law restricts such referrals to only certain high-level authorities. Times of Karachi+1
Background: Who Is Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza?
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Mirza is a well-known online religious scholar with a huge following: over 3.1 million YouTube subscribers, according to reports. Daily Times
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He was arrested in August under public order laws and later charged under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code for allegedly making “controversial” religious remarks. Daily Times+1
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The CII reviewed content from his lectures and a case file provided by the NCCIA, then declared him guilty of blasphemy and recommended formal charges. Daily Times
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Mirza’s academy in Jhelum was sealed, and law enforcement heavily guarded his residence following uproar. Karachi News+1
Why This Case Matters
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Constitutional precedent: The court’s questioning of the CII’s jurisdiction could reshape how and when the Council may issue opinions in the future.
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Blasphemy law debate: This case amplifies ongoing public discussion around blasphemy laws, free speech, and due process in Pakistan.
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Religious authority challenged: If the IHC ultimately rules that the CII overstepped, it may curb similar rulings against other public figures.
What’s Next
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The IHC will resume hearings on December 4, when the court will consider further arguments about the CII’s power and the legality of its opinion. Pakistan Today
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Institutions like the FIA, police, and NCCIA have been ordered to clarify how they plan to treat future CII opinions, especially given this court order. Karachi News
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Mirza’s legal team is likely to press for his protection and challenge the Council’s use of its advisory body as a quasi-judicial power.