According to sources, the JU-F politician was arrested for attending and organising a mass funeral in violation of the social distancing protocols imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The JUI-F leader was returning home after attending funeral prayers of Maulana Abdul Aziz – local member of JUI-F who died of coronavirus recently – when Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Headquarters Shinkiari came and arrested him for 'inciting violence' and spreading 'sectarian hatred'. On Sunday, First Investigation Report (FIR) was registered against the JUI-F leader under PPC 188, 153, and 298.
“I do not know on what charges and grounds, the police have arrested my father,” Mufti Kifayatullah’s son Hussain Kifayatullah said.Previously, a video of Mufti Kifayatullah started doing the rounds on social media, in which the JUI-F leader was directing people to violate the provincial governments restrictions and offer five compulsory prayers in mosques and organise Jumma congregations in their respective areas.
In November last year, Mufti Kifayatullah was injured in an attack by unknown people in Mansehra. The JUI-F leader was with his two sons and a friend, who were also injured in the attack. According to medical professionals, Mufti Kifayatullah received injuries to his back, hand and other parts of the body as a result of the attack.