CPNE expresses grief over Sharif’s martyrdom

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of renowned journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif.

CPNE President Kazim Khan, in his condolence statement termed the killing of the presidential award winning journalist in Kenya a “very sad and unbelievable” incident.

Khan said Sharif was a bold and fearless journalist, lamenting that another “dissenting voice” had been silenced forever.

The CPNE president further said that restrictions had been placed on Sharif and other journalists to suppress the freedom of press and expression due to which many media persons were forced to live in exile.

He demanded of the government and the authorities concerned to make arrangements for the immediate transfer of the body of the slain journalist to Pakistan.

He asked the government to investigate the tragic incident at the diplomatic level so that the “real motives” behind the killing come to light.

Khan expressed heartfelt condolences to Sharif’s family and prayed to the Almighty to forgive the departed soul and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.