SC to hear journalist murder case on 29th

IHC summons ministry officials over judicial commission

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has fixed the hearing of suo moto notice over the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif on June 29.

The three-member bench led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and comprising Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal will hear the case.

Meanwhile, during the hearing in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over formation of the judicial commission for investigating the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, the IHC CJ Aamer Farooq remarked as to why the Kenyan police will kill a Pakistani citizen.

The killing of the journalist should be probed, said the judge, adding if not today, the investigation will have to take place even after 10 years.

During the hearing, the additional attorney general (AAG) said foreign countries are involved in this case, and access to foreign countries is given through mutual legal assistance (MLA).

The IHC CJ inquired from the AAG about the government's stance over the formation of the judicial commission. The AAG replied that the matter of judicial commission also came up before the Supreme Court.

The police lawyer said the main accused of Arshad Sharif murder case is in Kenya and proceedings cannot advance without the accused's presence. If probe is conducted locally before the MLA process is complete, it can lead to complications.

The IHC CJ rebuked the counsel for the IG police, saying, "You are trying to become more loyal than the king."

The judge said the judicial commission has to inquire into the matter and present its report, adding the commission does not have to submit a challan.

The court summoned the relevant officials of the interior and law ministries and adjourned the hearing till August 6.