The founder and head of Tehreek Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (Movement for the implementation of Prophet Muhammad’s Shari’a) Sufi Muhammad has been released from detention in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. He was arrested on his return from Afghanistan after 9/11, where he fought alongside the Taliban against the U.S.-led forces.
According to a report in the Urdu-language newspaper Roznama Jang, ‘‘his release is being described as part of efforts to establish peace in the Swat Valley.’’ Militants loyal to his son-in-law Maulana Fazlullah, who has been leading the outlawed Tehreek Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi in his absence, captured the Swat district of the North West Frontier Province during July-November, 2007.
According to a report in the Urdu-language newspaper Roznama Jasarat, Maulana Fazlullah has, meanwhile, announced on his pirate FM radio station that his talks with the government to establish peace in the region have failed. Sufi Muhammad was released following a ‘‘deal’’ with the government in the North West Frontier Province.
Source: Roznama Jang, Pakistan, April 22, 2008; Roznama Jasarat, Pakistan, April 22, 2008; Roznama Express, Pakistan, April 22, 2008
