The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP) has indicated that it may conclude proceedings in the suo motu case concerning the murder of renowned journalist Arshad Sharif.
The hearing was conducted on Wednesday by Justice Amir Farooq.
During the proceedings, Justice Amir Farooq remarked that the investigation process had been considerably slow, though the court did not wish to cast blame on any individual or institution. He added that the court would issue an appropriate order in the matter.
Counsel for Arshad Sharif’s widow informed the court that a commission had been constituted on the basis of the suo motu notice, and the investigation was still ongoing. Justice Amir Farooq inquired about progress in Kenya. The counsel responded that the Kenyan court had ruled in their favour, declaring the incident a murder instead of an accident and directing a formal investigation. However, no practical progress had been made in Kenya so far.
The counsel further stated that they approached the court to ensure the Government of Pakistan stood with the family, but there appeared to be a gap between the government’s position and their expectations.
Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman told the court that the JIT report had already been submitted. He said Kenya initially declined to cooperate in the investigation, but Pakistan and Kenya concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement in September last year. He added that once Kenya grants permission, the Pakistani team will visit the crime scene.
Justice Amir Farooq questioned what further steps could be taken following the agreement between the two countries. The Additional Attorney General replied that investigations could now be conducted jointly, and evidence from the crime scene would be obtained with Kenya’s cooperation.
During the hearing, the Dr. Imran Farooq murder case was also referenced. Justice Amir Farooq noted that Dr. Imran Farooq’s murder occurred in England and was investigated jointly by UK and Pakistani police. The Additional Attorney General, however, maintained that the nature of the two cases was different.
He further informed the court that the challan in the Arshad Sharif case had been submitted in Pakistan, and two suspects had been nominated. In response to a court query, he said both suspects were currently in Kenya and black warrants had been issued for them. He added that Interpol had been approached for their arrest.
According to the Additional Attorney General, the investigation within Pakistan was complete, and the Prime Minister had personally contacted the Kenyan President regarding the matter. He assured the court that every effort was being made to expedite the investigation.