FCC signals swift disposal of Arshad Sharif murder case

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Federal Constitutional Court has indicated that it intends to expedite proceedings in the murder case of renowned Pakistani journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif.

During the hearing, Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the court would issue an appropriate order, while noting that the investigation process is considerably slow. He emphasised that the court did not wish to level accusations against any party and was examining all aspects of the case to ensure transparency.

Arshad Sharif’s counsel informed the court that a commission had been formed on a suo motu basis and that investigations were still ongoing. Justice Farooq questioned what concrete steps had been taken in Kenya so far. In response, the lawyer said legal proceedings had been initiated there and decisions had come in their favour. He added that a request was made to categorize the incident as murder rather than an accident, but there remained a clear difference between the government’s stance and its practical approach.

The Additional Attorney General told the court that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report had already been submitted. He said the Kenyan government had initially refused to cooperate with the investigation; however, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Pakistan and Kenya in September last year, permission had now been granted to send an investigative team to the crime scene.

According to the Additional Attorney General, Kenyan authorities would facilitate the provision of evidence once the team visits the site. During the proceedings, Justice Aamer Farooq also referred to the Imran Farooq murder case, noting that investigations in the UK had progressed through cooperation between Pakistani and British police.

The Additional Attorney General clarified that the nature of the Imran Farooq and Arshad Sharif cases differed. He added that a challan had already been submitted in the Arshad Sharif case, two suspects had been nominated, and both were currently in Kenya, requiring Interpol’s assistance for their arrest.

He further informed the court that the Prime Minister had personally contacted the Kenyan President and that every effort was being made to complete the investigation at the earliest so judicial proceedings could move forward without delay.