The Supreme Court of Pakistan has fixed suo motu case hearing to address the investigation into the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif.
The hearing, set for July 29, will be heard by a three-member bench led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan.
Meanwhile, the top court has also issued notices to key stakeholders including the Attorney General, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Interior Secretary, and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
Arshad Sharif, a prominent Pakistani journalist, departed the country in August 2022 amidst several legal challenges. Initially, he sought refuge in the United Arab Emirates before relocating to Kenya. Tragically, Sharif was killed in Kenya in October of the same year.
Initial reports from Kenyan media indicated that Sharif was fatally shot by police due to mistaken identity. The incident reportedly occurred after the vehicle in which Sharif was travelling was fired upon by the Paramilitary General Service Unit.
In response to these events, the Pakistani government dispatched an investigative team to Kenya.
The case gained renewed attention earlier this year when the Kajiado High Court in Kenya rejected the claim of mistaken identity made by the police.
The court ordered a comprehensive investigation into the actions of Kenyan law enforcement and security agencies, following a petition from Sharif’s widow. This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing quest for justice for the slain journalist.
