IHC reserves verdict on petition seeking judicial commission on Arshad Sharif’s Murder

The Islamabad High Court has reserved its decision in the case pertaining to the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition, seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the murder of Sharif.

During the hearing, the Attorney General stated that an agreement with the Kenyan government would be required.

He explained that the Kenyan government had provided limited access to the records of the case, which allowed the preparation of a fact-finding report.

However, when the report was made public, the Kenyan government expressed dissatisfaction and revoked access.

The Attorney General also noted that following general elections in Kenya, the report was completed, and the draft agreement has been approved by the cabinet.

It will now be sent to Kenya. Additionally, two Pakistani individuals have been investigated in connection with Arshad Sharif’s case.

The Chief Justice remarked that the request concerns the judicial commission and questioned Pakistan's position on the matter, whether the agreement had been made or not.

The Attorney General informed that a five-member bench of the Supreme Court has been formed and the case will be heard after the summer holidays.

The Chief Justice also questioned whether a judicial commission in Pakistan would be able to conduct an investigation in Kenya, as Kenyan authorities are not obligated to appear before the commission.

The Attorney General responded that even after an agreement with Kenya, there will be difficulties.

After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its decision on the request to establish a judicial commission.

Journalist Arshad Sharif left Pakistan in 2022 over what he said were threats to his life.

On 23 October 2022, he was shot and killed by local police in Kenya, under controversial circumstances. However, his family allege it was a premeditated assassination involving senior Pakistani officials.