Militant facilitator Mufti Zafaryab arrested

Authorities have arrested self-styled cleric Mufti Zafaryab for allegedly facilitating the banned militant group

Authorities have arrested self-styled cleric Mufti Zafaryab for allegedly facilitating the banned militant group referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij.

According to an official statement, the suspect said he completed an eight-year Dars-e-Nizami course at Jamia Nizam-ul-Uloom, Yateem Khana, Bannu, and later completed a three-year specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (Takhassus fi al-Fiqh) at Al-Markaz Al-Islami, Ghoriwala.

In a recorded statement, Zafaryab admitted that he had been in contact with militant commander Hikmat Roshan. He said state institutions were aware of his links, which ultimately led to his arrest.

The suspect alleged that the militant commander sought religious rulings from him to justify extortion carried out in the name of jihad. He further claimed that he, along with several others, had been offered positions and financial incentives by the group.

Expressing remorse, Zafaryab said he regretted his actions and stated that the group has no connection with Islam. He described its activities and ideology as un-Islamic and contrary to Sharia.

He also said the militant group promotes extremist beliefs and considers the killing of Muslims to be permissible, rejecting its ideology and distancing himself from its actions.

The arrest comes as security forces continue counterterrorism operations against militant groups across the country.