Fake ‘Imam Mehdi’ arrested in Punjab for misleading locals
2026-02-10 - 17:46
LAHORE – A ripple of disbelief spread through a neighborhood in Punjab as a man claimed receiving divine revelation. Amid the outrage, police arrested the man for allegedly impersonating Imam Mehdi and inflaming religious sentiments in the community. The suspect, identified as Syed Tahseen Abbasi of Hamza Town, reportedly misled local residents by claiming he had received divine revelation and was the final Imam Mehdi. امام مہدی ہونے کا دعویٰ کرنے والا شخص پولیس نے گرفتار کر لیا مسلمانوں میں امام مہدی کی آمد کا ایک معروف نظریہ پایا جاتا ہے۔ اسی طرح تقریباً ہر مذہب میں کسی نہ کسی نجات دہندہ، مسیح یا اوتار کے ظہور کا تصور موجود ہے۔ میں نے بہت عرصہ پہلے کہیں لکھا تھا کہ دنیا کے تقریباً تمام مذاہب... pic.twitter.com/ua0cBVfiUT — Sabookh Syed | Journalist (@SaboohSyed) February 10, 2026 Authorities revealed that Ahmedpur East City police station acted after receiving credible information about Abbasi’s activities. Sub-Inspector Rasool Bakhsh, leading a police team, raided Hamza Town and nabbed man from a street. During initial probe, Abbasi reportedly stood firm on his extraordinary claims, which were recorded on video. Police also seized a smartphone from his possession, now in custody for further investigation. A case has been formally registered against him under Sections 295-A and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which address acts that hurt religious sentiments. Officials confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and that the suspect will face legal action according to the law. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the city, raising concerns about the spread of false religious claims and the need for vigilance. Imam Mahdi is a prophesied figure in Islam who is believed to appear before Qayamat to restore justice and righteousness. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims anticipate his coming, though their beliefs differ. Sunnis generally see him as a future leader who will unite the Muslim community and eradicate corruption, while Shia Muslims believe he is Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Askari, the 12th Imam, who went into occultation centuries ago and will reappear to bring justice and peace. Claims of being Imam Mahdi are considered extremely sensitive, as he is a revered spiritual figure in Islam. Lahore Court indicts YouTuber Ducky, wife and others in online gambling promotion case