MALAKAND (Dunya News) – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) district leader Mufti Kifayatullah was seriously injured when gunfire erupted at his residence in Batkhela, Malakand, on Saturday.
The attack claimed the lives of his son, Ismatullah, and two daughters.
Police officials revealed that the gunfire was allegedly opened by Mufti Kifayatullah’s own son, Muatasim, who initially fled the scene.
Levies personnel and rescue teams rushed the wounded and the deceased to District Headquarters Hospital, Batkhela, where doctors confirmed that the religio-political leader’s second daughter also succumbed to her injuries. His wife was critically wounded in the incident.
Hospital authorities later confirmed that Mufti Kifayatullah is now in stable condition and out of immediate danger.
Suspect in custody
Police launched a swift operation and arrested Muatasim from the Sugar Batkhela area, recovering the murder weapon from his possession. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to opening fire on his family.
Officials said the investigation is being carried out from multiple angles to establish the motive behind the attack. Authorities are also examining the suspect’s personal circumstances and possible disputes within the family.
The attack comes against the backdrop of earlier incidents targeting JUI-F leaders. In February last year, Hafiz Hamdullah, a senior leader of the party, survived a gun attack when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car near Mezai Adda. His security guards returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee. Hamdullah escaped unhurt in that incident.
The latest shooting has shocked the local community in Malakand and brought renewed focus on the security challenges facing political and religious figures in the region.