Pakistani court rejects fresh inquiry into journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing

A Pakistani court has declined petitions seeking the formation of a separate judicial commission to investigate the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, ruling that the case is already under the direct scrutiny of the Supreme Court.

Sharif, a prominent TV journalist who fled Pakistan citing threats to his life, was shot dead in Nairobi in October 2022. Kenyan authorities initially described the killing as a case of mistaken identity, claiming police mistook his vehicle for one driven by car thieves who had run a roadblock.

However, a Pakistani government-formed team found contradictions in Kenya’s account and suggested the killing appeared to be premeditated. The probe remains open, with investigators yet to trace the alleged perpetrators or establish a definitive motive.

In a detailed judgment delivered Friday, Islamabad High Court's Justice Inam Ameen Minhas dismissed petitions filed by veteran journalist Hamid Mir and others. The petitioners had argued that the existing inquiry was flawed and riddled with inconsistencies, insisting only an independent and transparent commission could address critical questions such as why Sharif fled Pakistan, the pressures he faced in Dubai, how he ultimately arrived in Kenya, and who bore responsibility for his death.

The government opposed the plea, with the deputy attorney general noting that a First Information Report (FIR) had already been registered, a trial process was under way, and a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) framework with Kenya was in place to facilitate evidence sharing.

He further pointed out that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the case in December 2022, establishing a five-member bench to supervise the inquiry alongside a Special Joint Investigation Team.

Justice Minhas underscored that the Supreme Court was actively overseeing the investigation, requiring investigators to submit regular progress reports. The court had already framed key questions, including the circumstances of Sharif’s departure from Pakistan, Dubai’s decision to ask him to leave, and the scope of cooperation with Kenyan authorities.

In December 2024, Pakistan and Kenya signed an agreement allowing evidence collection by Pakistani investigators on Kenyan soil.

Against this backdrop, the IHC concluded that creating a new judicial commission would interfere with the jurisdiction of the country’s top court. However, Justice Minhas directed authorities to keep the petitioners informed of all developments in the case, including progress reports and findings until the inquiry reaches its conclusion.

The petitions were formally disposed of, though the court permitted petitioners to present their concerns directly before the Supreme Court if they wished.