Pak cleric Engineer Mirza dodges death 12th time, delivers lecture after being shot at
Pakistan's controversial cleric-YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza survived an attack by a gunman, in what is being counted as the 12th attempt on his life. Even after the attack, the cleric carried on with his lecture in Punjab's Jhelum. Mirza has been targeted over his remarks on sectarian orthodoxy in Pakistan.
Pakistani cleric and YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has again narrowly escaped death after a gunman opened fire outside his academy on Sunday in Punjab's Jhelum. The latest attack marks what could be seen as the 12th assassination attempt on the controversial religious figure, if the cleric's claim is to be believed.
But what stands out is that Mirza, who remained unhurt, went back to delivering his lecture soon after, reported Karachi-based Pakistani English daily, Dawn.
The attacker, armed with a 9mm pistol, was shot dead in retaliatory firing by police on the spot. A policeman from Mirza's security team was injured, but is now out of danger.
Mirza, who commands a massive online following of over 3.1 million YouTube subscribers, has long been a polarising figure in Pakistan. His outspoken lectures, often challenging sectarian orthodoxy, have made him both influential and a target of extremists.
This is not the first time Engineer Mirza has faced such an attack. He has been attacked by knives and has been physically assaulted. Mirza has survived multiple attempts over the years, including a recent one in February 2026. In a podcast on YouTube channel, The Blue Truth Digital (published on March 7), Mirza revealed he had survived 11 assassination attempts.
The attack on Sunday came months after he was arrested over alleged blasphemous remarks. His controversial reference to Prophet Muhammad in his videos triggered an outrage, and ultimately led to his arrest after a religious group filed complaints. Months later he was released.
GUNMAN OPENS FIRE AT ENGINEER MIRZA OUTSIDE ACADEMY, POLICE KILL ATTACKER
The attack on Engineer Mirza took place outside the Quran and Sunnat Research Academy in Jhelum, where the cleric regularly delivers lectures. According to police, a man arrived at the premises armed with a 9mm pistol, lay down on the ground, and opened fire.
Security personnel deployed at the site responded immediately. In retaliatory firing, the attacker was killed on the spot. Mirza remained safe and unhurt throughout the incident and continued his lecture afterward, reported Dawn.
A constable from Mirza's security detail sustained a gunshot wound to his foot and was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital. Officials said his condition is stable, and he is out of danger.
CONTROVERSIES, ARRESTS AND BANS: WHY MIRZA REMAINS A TARGET
The April 19 attack on Engineer Mirza is only the latest in a long series of attacks on the controversial cleric. Records and his own statements indicate that he has survived at least 12 assassination attempts so far.
After earning his mechanical engineering degree, Muhammad Ali Mirza worked as an engineer before transitioning to public life as a prominent cleric, according to reports.
The first known attempt on Mirza's life dates back to October 2017. In March 2021, he was attacked with a knife and suffered minor injuries. In subsequent years he faced repeated attacks on his life, including another knife attack in August 2023.
In February, just weeks before the latest shooting, Mirza was attacked by a man who grabbed and punched him, reported Dawn.
Mirza's public life has been marked not just by attacks on his life but also by controversy. Known for his blunt and confrontational style of speaking, he has challenged established religious narratives and sectarian leaders in Pakistan.
His remarks have led to multiple legal cases, including blasphemy allegations. Last year he was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance over comments about Prophet Muhammad that went viral on social media.
Authorities have also imposed bans on his speeches at various points, citing concerns over potential sectarian unrest. During Muharram in 2024, he was among several clerics barred from speaking to prevent violence. Supporters view him as a reformist Islamic voice who challenges orthodoxy, while critics accuse him of provoking division. And the divide has played out both online and on the streets.
Pakistani cleric and YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza has again narrowly escaped death after a gunman opened fire outside his academy on Sunday in Punjab's Jhelum. The latest attack marks what could be seen as the 12th assassination attempt on the controversial religious figure, if the cleric's claim is to be believed.
But what stands out is that Mirza, who remained unhurt, went back to delivering his lecture soon after, reported Karachi-based Pakistani English daily, Dawn.
The attacker, armed with a 9mm pistol, was shot dead in retaliatory firing by police on the spot. A policeman from Mirza's security team was injured, but is now out of danger.
Mirza, who commands a massive online following of over 3.1 million YouTube subscribers, has long been a polarising figure in Pakistan. His outspoken lectures, often challenging sectarian orthodoxy, have made him both influential and a target of extremists.
This is not the first time Engineer Mirza has faced such an attack. He has been attacked by knives and has been physically assaulted. Mirza has survived multiple attempts over the years, including a recent one in February 2026. In a podcast on YouTube channel, The Blue Truth Digital (published on March 7), Mirza revealed he had survived 11 assassination attempts.
The attack on Sunday came months after he was arrested over alleged blasphemous remarks. His controversial reference to Prophet Muhammad in his videos triggered an outrage, and ultimately led to his arrest after a religious group filed complaints. Months later he was released.
GUNMAN OPENS FIRE AT ENGINEER MIRZA OUTSIDE ACADEMY, POLICE KILL ATTACKER
The attack on Engineer Mirza took place outside the Quran and Sunnat Research Academy in Jhelum, where the cleric regularly delivers lectures. According to police, a man arrived at the premises armed with a 9mm pistol, lay down on the ground, and opened fire.
Security personnel deployed at the site responded immediately. In retaliatory firing, the attacker was killed on the spot. Mirza remained safe and unhurt throughout the incident and continued his lecture afterward, reported Dawn.
A constable from Mirza's security detail sustained a gunshot wound to his foot and was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital. Officials said his condition is stable, and he is out of danger.
CONTROVERSIES, ARRESTS AND BANS: WHY MIRZA REMAINS A TARGET
The April 19 attack on Engineer Mirza is only the latest in a long series of attacks on the controversial cleric. Records and his own statements indicate that he has survived at least 12 assassination attempts so far.
After earning his mechanical engineering degree, Muhammad Ali Mirza worked as an engineer before transitioning to public life as a prominent cleric, according to reports.
The first known attempt on Mirza's life dates back to October 2017. In March 2021, he was attacked with a knife and suffered minor injuries. In subsequent years he faced repeated attacks on his life, including another knife attack in August 2023.
In February, just weeks before the latest shooting, Mirza was attacked by a man who grabbed and punched him, reported Dawn.
Mirza's public life has been marked not just by attacks on his life but also by controversy. Known for his blunt and confrontational style of speaking, he has challenged established religious narratives and sectarian leaders in Pakistan.
His remarks have led to multiple legal cases, including blasphemy allegations. Last year he was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance over comments about Prophet Muhammad that went viral on social media.
Authorities have also imposed bans on his speeches at various points, citing concerns over potential sectarian unrest. During Muharram in 2024, he was among several clerics barred from speaking to prevent violence. Supporters view him as a reformist Islamic voice who challenges orthodoxy, while critics accuse him of provoking division. And the divide has played out both online and on the streets.
