The court has delivered a verdict in the case concerning the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif. According to the decision, no immediate judicial intervention is required, and all related petitions have been disposed of.
The 14-page verdict, authored by Justice Amir Farooq, acknowledged the grief of the journalist community and the people of Pakistan. It also clarified that Sharif’s family remains free to approach the relevant courts regarding any matter related to the case.
The court emphasized that international cooperation is key to the investigation. A mutual legal assistance agreement between Pakistan and Kenya has already been signed. The pace of investigations depends on diplomatic coordination and the laws of both countries. The verdict noted that handling matters in international forums falls under the government’s discretion and foreign policy authorities.
Regarding the special joint investigation team (JIT), the verdict highlighted that no objections have been raised to their work so far. Arrests have been made, and black warrants have been issued to ensure that trials are conducted in Pakistan. The court stressed that progress depends on Kenya’s cooperation and adherence to legal procedures in autonomous states.
Arshad Sharif was shot dead in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 23, 2022, where he was living in self-exile. Kenyan authorities initially claimed that the killing was a case of “mistaken identity.” However, post-mortem reports and media investigations in Kenya questioned the police’s conduct and the circumstances of Sharif’s death.
The verdict also acknowledged the sensitivity of the case, given its diplomatic and legal implications. While the official police statement expressed regret over the incident, the matter continues to attract national and international attention.
Observers say the verdict underscores the importance of following proper legal channels and international cooperation in cross-border investigations. The court’s decision leaves the door open for Sharif’s family to seek justice through the appropriate courts in Pakistan.
In other news read more about: Pakistani JIT Members to Visit Kenya for Arshad Sharif Murder Case Investigation
