ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and former ARY News anchorperson Arshad Sharif was laid to rest in Islamabad’s H-11 cemetery. Senior journalist was laid to rest after his funeral prayers were offered at Shah Faisal Masjid in Islamabad. A large number of people belonging to various walks of life attended funeral prayers. Strict security arrangements were made around Shah Faisal Masjid to avoid any eventuality during last rituals of slain journalist.

At his family’s request, an eight-member medical board of PIMS hospital carried out post-mortem on his body. Yesterday, Arshad Sharif’s mother urged everyone to visit her residence before going to masjid for funeral prayers. She said that she wants to say goodbye to her son in a manner befitting of his sacrifice. Sharif’s mother said that she could not explain in words, support she received from ARY Digital Network and its President and CEO Salman Iqbal. Arshad Sharif left five children, his mother and two wives in bereavement. As martyr was once part of ARY News, Haji Muhammad Iqbal, Chairman ARY Network, announced that group will financially assist Arshad Sharif’s family and his children till they become self-reliant.

Senior journalist was killed in Kenya where he was living in self-exile. Kenyan police first said that Arshad Sharif was killed in a case of “mistaken identity” but since seasoned journalist’s post-mortem and his body’s transfer to his home country, several Kenyan news outlets have not only questioned police’s conduct but have raised questions over manner in which he was killed.

He had worked for country’s top news channels and newspapers in past. He was awarded ‘Presidential Pride of Performance’ for his exceptional journalism in year 2019.

Martyr’s family has demanded judicial inquiry and public hearings during inquiry to reveal “truth” behind his murder.

Government of Pakistan has also formed a two-member team to investigate Arshad Sharif’s death comprising Federal Investigation Agency and Intelligence Bureau representatives.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 28 2022

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