Malakand/Islamabad, August 16-2025 — On August 16, a tragic incident unfolded in Batkhela, Malakand when gunshots fired from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s Fazl District Chief Mufti Kifayatullah’s residence left two children dead and him and his wife critically injured, as one of his sons is suspected as the assailant – according to initial reports, fleeing immediately afterwards and fleeing after fleeing from the scene after attack. Authorities are conducting investigations and searches in search for their suspected assailant. Its Dunya News International
Daily Pakistan English News coverage.
Gunmen opened fire at Mufti Kifayatullah’s home in Tehsil Batkhela on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of his son and daughter; while his wife received serious injuries. Mufti was wounded as well and transported to District Headquarters Hospital in Batkhela where officials have reported his condition as being “out of danger”. It has been reported by both Daily Ausaf and Dunya News.
Local News Media Report Tragedy According to local outlets, initial investigations indicate that one of Mufti Kifayatullah’s other sons may have shot and fled from the scene after firing shots into his own father’s home on Monday evening, leading authorities on a manhunt for suspects involved. Authorities continue their search efforts for these individuals while seeking the motive for such tragic event as Geo TV is reporting +12 and Dunya News is reporting +12.
Political Context and Prior Attacks
This shooting adds to an increasing list of attacks against JUI-F figures in recent months. Two party leaders — Wadera Ghulam Sarwar and Molvi Aman Ullah–were assassinated earlier this year in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district; during that same month a blast injured Abdullah Nadeem as well as many worshipers at a mosque in South Waziristan.
News International (+1).
Broader Security Concerns
These incidents reflect increased vulnerability among political figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has seen increasing militant activity and cross-border terrorism since the Taliban returned power in Afghanistan in 2021. A recent report by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) detailed 78 terrorist attacks that resulted in over 100 casualties – both civilians and security force members were involved – over June alone; PICSS noted 78 attacks that killed at least 100 victims during June alone (PICSS report, 2021 report). News International also highlighted 78 attacks during June resulting in over 100 fatalities (PICSS report highlighted 78 attacks with over 100 deaths). For this story click here
What Comes Next Investigation and Security: Local law enforcement and Levies officials have begun an investigation into the motive and identity of the shooter while security has been enhanced at the crime scene.
Impact on Community: This attack has sent shockwaves through Malakand, prompting JUI-F activists and local civil society leaders to demand justice and protection against further violence.
Political Repercussions: While Mufti Kifayatullah recovers, this incident adds another source of tension to KP’s political climate; attacks against religious and political figures often have far-reaching ramifications on stability.
Malakand was recently shaken by an unexpected tragedy: JUI-F district head Mufti Kifayatullah and his family were shot by his own son who apparently opened fire inside their home, killing two of their children while also wounding him and his wife. Investigations are underway amid concerns of rising targeted violence in Malakand; security forces are searching for suspect while waiting for answers and justice from within their community.