The Supreme Court took Suo Motu notice of journalist Arshad Sharif’s “brutal killing” on Tuesday and ordered the government to file an FIR before tonight.
A larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, heard the case. The larger bench also included Justices Ijazul Ahsan, Jamal Mandokhail, Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
“The FIR should be lodged by tonight,” JCP Bandial said, ordering the authorities to provide a copy by tomorrow (Wednesday).
The court also ordered the government’s investigation report, adjourning the case to tomorrow.
The CJP asked why the court hadn’t received the fact-finding committee’s report. The CJP wondered why the court hadn’t received it.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was in Faisalabad when the complaint was received; the AG told the court. Once Sanaullah reads the report, it will be given to the SC.
The CJP remarked, “Does the interior minister have to modify the report?” The court could summon Sanaullah. He suggested the administration, not the courts, should investigate.
“A journalist died. Who was behind the killing should be revealed, the CJP said, adding that the fact-finding commission that visited Kenya is back in Pakistan. So why hasn’t the SC received the commission’s final report?
The extra AG said the report would be due tomorrow. CJP told him to submit it today so the hearing may resume tomorrow.
CJP Bandial called Sharif’s medical report “unsatisfactory” after 43 days of waiting. “We’re serious.” So a five-judge panel was formed.”
Justice Ahsan noted Sharif’s “suspicious” death in Kenya. What has the foreign ministry done?
Asad Majeed said the premier contacted the Kenyan president. He added the Pakistani high commissioner in Kenya is in touch with authorities.
Justice Ahsan inquired if there was no instance in Pakistan or Kenya.
The foreign secretary said he didn’t know if a complaint was registered in Pakistan and would check with Kenyan officials.
Why wasn’t Arshad Sharif’s murder reported? The foreign secretary said a decision would be made after reviewing the inquiry findings.
The court directed the Foreign Office to respond to the inquiry and Kenya’s FIR registration.
“Journalists are truth-tellers. Journalists are information sources, CJP said. He said Sharif was a great journalist and the issue was “human life.”
The top judge added, “We’re ready to work with Pakistan in Kenya.”
The CJP said the nation worried about Sharif’s death and that all facts must be revealed.
