The Pakistani Supreme Court is urging action in the murder case of journalist Arshad Sharif. Both Kenya and Pakistan must ratify a mutual legal assistance agreement to share crucial evidence. The court has expressed frustration over delays and mandated daily progress reports from the government. Legal experts emphasize the necessity of this agreement for effective investigation.
The Pakistani Supreme Court has demanded action regarding the unresolved murder case of journalist Arshad Sharif, as both Kenya and Pakistan have yet to ratify a mutual legal assistance agreement. This agreement is essential for sharing investigative evidence crucial to the investigation. Reports indicate that the Pakistani government has requested an extension to finalize this pact, following concerns expressed by the court over delays in ratification.
The constitutional bench has shown significant frustration with the government’s inaction, insisting on daily progress reports regarding the agreement’s status. Signed in December, this agreement aims to facilitate vital evidence exchange amidst the ongoing investigation into Sharif’s killing. The journalist was shot dead in Nairobi in October 2022, an incident described by Kenyan police as a case of mistaken identity.
An autopsy confirmed that Sharif sustained a gunshot wound to the head, corroborating eyewitness accounts and emphasizing the incident’s brutality. Justices in the Supreme Court have reiterated their dissatisfaction over the delays and questioned the government’s commitment, stressing that months have passed without substantive progress.
Legal experts assert that the agreement is pivotal for enabling Pakistani investigators to gather evidence at the crime scene and enhance cooperation with Kenyan authorities. Sharif’s widow has expressed frustration over the lack of support from the Pakistani government, increasing public outrage regarding the matter. The justices criticized the protracted process during the hearing, highlighting the plight of the journalist’s family.
Additionally, Kenyan authorities have been urged to expedite their investigation, especially after a high court criticized the case’s handling and called for diligent inquiry. The prolonged investigation complicates the narrative surrounding Sharif, who sought refuge in Kenya amid sedition charges before his brutal demise. With the Supreme Court postponing further hearings for a month and insisting on daily updates, there is escalating pressure on the government to address bureaucratic obstacles and ensure justice for Sharif.
In summary, the Pakistani Supreme Court has taken significant steps to expedite the investigation into Arshad Sharif’s murder by demanding daily reports on the ratification of a mutual legal assistance agreement with Kenya. The ongoing delays have raised serious concerns about accountability and justice for Sharif’s family. Legal experts stress the importance of this agreement for effective cross-border cooperation, as the case continues to evoke public anger and scrutiny regarding the government’s support for Sharif’s widow.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
