Cleric arrested for threatening Malala Yousafzai

PESHAWAR: The police arrested a cleric from Lakki Marwat after he allegedly threatened to carry out suicide attack on Malala Yousafzai once she returns to Pakistan.

The first information report (FIR) against Mufti Sardar Ali of Nowshera was lodged by the Pezu Police Station in Lakki Marwat for threatening Malala Yousafzai and provoking the general public.

“Sardar Ali from Nowshera was arrested by Lakki Marwat Police for brandishing weapons and provoking violence during speeches,” District Police Officer Lakki Marwat, Imran Khan told The News. He added a case has been lodged against the cleric.

The FIR lodged under Sections 506, 16 MPO and 7ATA against Mufti Sardar Ali stated that the accused was heard saying during a sermon that he would be the first one to carry out suicide attack if Malala Yousafzai returned to Pakistan.

“The speech provoked the general public and could result in serious law and order situation,” the FIR stated.

Mufti Sardar Ali during his speech criticised Malala Yousafzai for her recent statement regarding marriage. He mocked that she is hopeful to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan and asked the audience if they want to see her as their leader. The audience can be heard saying “no.”

The cleric, popular for using the word Tawajjo to seek the attention of the audience during speeches, was also arrested a few weeks back for a controversial speech. He was released later but became even more popular after his first arrest.

Many of his speeches subsequently went viral on social media forums. In some speeches, he was heard mocking the security officials.

Many also posted his speeches and pictures in which he is being guarded by armed men while speaking in mosques and other places.