Allegations mentioned in the FIR against him include "inciting people against ulema" and "inciting sectarianism". Attempts to reach his representatives have proved unsuccessful so far.
A clip is circulating on social media in which, critics allege, he had called for violence against various religious figures. His supporters say that this short clip is entirely removed from its true context. They point out that he often provides extreme-sounding examples for the sake of argument.
Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza had achieved a large following over the past few years due to his lectures on various topics from Islamic jurisprudence, social issues and politics. He has become known for his sharp style of polemics and outspoken criticism of what he sees as weak arguments by a number of mainstream religious figures in South Asia. Some of his harshest criticism is reserved for those who, in his view, promote sectarian or divisive beliefs by various religious clerics. His comments have stirred controversy in the past, with various religious speakers releasing videos purporting to "expose" him.
He is reported to have survived an assassination attempt once before.