QUETTA, Feb 14: The police arrested Maulana Noor Mohammad, a central leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F), here on Thursday evening, official sources confirmed.

“Yes, we have arrested JUI leader Maulana Noor Mohammad on the charges of provoking the people for revolt against the government,” Quetta SSP Abid Ali told Dawn.

The Maulana made a number of speeches during protest rallies and demonstrations held by Pak-Afghan Defence Council in Quetta against US attacks on Afghanistan, he said, adding cases were then registered against him under sections 124, 124(A) and 505 PPC.

JUI sources said Maulana Noor Mohammad was arrested when he was coming back after meeting Jamaat-i-Islami acting chief Liaqaut Baloch here.

They said warrants of arrest of Maulana Noor and 12 other religious and political leaders were issued two days back by District and Sessions Judge Rashid Mehmood.