ISLAMABAD: Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe murder of senior journalist Arshad Sharif told Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) that no valid evidence was found during Kenya visit and also cited lack of cooperation from authorities of East African countries. Five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial comprising Justice Ijazul Ehsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard suo motu notice.

In October last, senior journalist was shot dead by Kenyan police in what they claimed “Mistaken identity” case while he was returning to Nairobi from Kenya’s Magadi Town.

During hearing, JIT head Awais Ahmed submitted second progress report on probe. When Justice Naqvi inquired if JIF found something in case during Kenya visit.Ahmed said team found no solid evidence in Kenya. Authorities of foreign country did not provide access to JIT to evidence in case.

To which, Justice Naqbi said discussion regarding evidence will be made during trial, saying court this time wanted to know what material they had collected in Kenya. In reply to question by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, JTI head said mobile phone and ipad of Sharif were in custody of Kenay’s IT department, adding that other belongings had been received.

Additional Attorney General said people who had registered cases against Sharif were also be interrogated, adding that it would be premature to name someone as perpetrator in it. Justice Naqvi reprimanded AAG saying what he had hold was first part of investigation and it was still incomplete. “Don’t play with court,” judge rebuked government lawyer.

At one point, CJP Bandial remarked investigation in Pakistan was marred by multiple mistake. He expressed resentment over leaking of fact-finding report in case. “Find person who is behind leaking unverified report,” he remarked. When Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked if statements of two suspects Khurram and Waqar-two Pakistanis who had hosted Arshad Sharif in Kenya had been recorded, AAGsaid Kenyan authorities only arranged meeting with director public prosecutor. He said Kenya officials assured full cooperation in investigation but did not allow JIT members to visit crime scene.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 14 2023

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