The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), FIA, and NCCIA after a petition challenged the council’s resolution declaring Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza blasphemous.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the petition filed by Dr. Aslam Khaki. The court also sought judicial assistance from the Attorney General before deciding the admissibility of the case.
The petitioner argued in his personal capacity that authoritative scholars within the CII unfairly labeled Ali Mirza as blasphemous. He insisted that such declarations threaten his life without due legal process.
Justice Kayani questioned why Mirza himself had not approached the court to challenge the resolution. In response, the petitioner claimed that he too had previously faced similar accusations.
He stressed that fatwas labeling individuals as blasphemous endanger lives, and Mirza must at least be given an opportunity to defend himself before any such declaration is made.
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The judge pointed out that a case against Mirza is already registered in Jhelum. The petitioner, however, maintained that his challenge specifically targeted the CII’s resolution in Islamabad.
The court further asked how the matter was referred to the CII. The petitioner explained that the NCCIA sent a request, despite the law limiting such referrals to the President, Governors, or Parliament.
Justice Kayani remarked that once official records are presented, the court will determine the exact nature of allegations and statements made. The court will decide on admissibility after hearing the Attorney General.
The hearing was adjourned until November 5, with all concerned authorities ordered to submit their written responses regarding the CII’s controversial resolution on Ali Mirza.
