The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has granted bail to Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a prominent religious scholar facing charges under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. The decision was announced after the hearing was presided over by Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was facing a First Information Report (FIR) filed against him in Jhelum under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. This legal action had placed him under judicial scrutiny.
In its ruling, the court ordered the release of the scholar upon the submission of two surety bonds, each valued at 500,000 Pakistani Rupees (a combined total of 1 million PKR). This judicial action offers significant legal respite to Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza. The case itself highlights the ongoing sensitivity and legal challenges surrounding the interpretation and dissemination of religious content in the country, balancing freedom of expression with protection against religious offence.
