IHC reserves ruling on Arshad Sharif case probe

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its ruling on the request for establishing a judicial commission to investigate the murder of senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif in Kenya around two years ago.

During the hearing of the plea, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan informed the court that a draft agreement with Kenya had been approved by the federal cabinet and now it would be sent to Nairobi. He added that two Pakistanis were investigated in the Arshad Sharif murder case.

Awan further said that after an agreement the Kenyan government granted some access and a fact-finding report was prepared. However, when the report became public, the Kenyan government expressed its displeasure and cut off access.

While hearing the case, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq inquired about Pakistan's position and the procedure of a joint investigation team. AGP Awan replied that the Supreme Court was looking into this matter and a five-member bench had been constituted in this regard.

The chief justice further inquired from the AGP if a judicial commission was formed in Pakistan, could it conduct an investigation in Kenya, where the Kenyan authorities would not be bound to appear before the commission. The AGP replied that it would not happen.

The AGP acknowledged that even after the deal with Kenya there would be difficulties. Later, the court reserved its ruling on the request for the establishment of a judicial commission and adjourned the hearing.