The Pakistani Supreme Court demands progress on a mutual legal assistance agreement with Kenya to assist in the investigation of journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder. Frustration mounts over delays, with the court now requiring daily updates on the matter. The agreement is crucial for sharing vital evidence needed for the case.
The Pakistani Supreme Court has mandated the government to expedite the ratification of a mutual legal assistance agreement with Kenya, crucial for investigating the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif. With further delays reported, the court now requires daily updates on the agreement’s status. This accord, signed last December, is essential for sharing critical evidence needed in the ongoing probe into Sharif’s killing.
Arshad Sharif, a significant figure in Pakistani journalism, was shot dead in Nairobi in October 2022 during an incident described by authorities as a mistaken identity case. An autopsy confirmed a fatal gunshot wound to his head, corroborating eyewitness reports of the brutal nature of the incident. Despite the urgent need for clarity in the investigation, the ratification process has seen considerable delays.
The Supreme Court expressed its frustration at the mounting timeline without action, questioning why the government has not completed the agreement despite prior commitments. Legal experts emphasize that this mutual agreement is vital for allowing Pakistani investigators access to evidence at the crime scene and enhancing collaboration with Kenyan authorities in the investigation.
Sharif’s widow has been vocal about the need for more support from the Pakistani government during her legal battles in Kenya, adding to public discontent regarding the entire handling of the case. Judicial authorities in Kenya are also being urged to move swiftly on their proceedings, as a high court criticized the current investigation’s efficacy.
The ongoing delay intensifies the scrutiny on the investigation into Sharif’s death, as he had previously sought asylum abroad due to sedition charges in Pakistan. With the Supreme Court adjourning the matter for a month and instituting daily reports, there is increasing pressure on the government to navigate these bureaucratic challenges and ensure that justice is served in this high-profile murder case.
The Pakistani Supreme Court’s insistence on daily updates regarding the mutual legal assistance agreement with Kenya highlights the urgency of resolving the stalled investigation into Arshad Sharif’s murder. The completion of this agreement is essential for gathering evidence and coordinating between the two nations, aiming ultimately for justice for the deceased journalist and his family.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
