The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP) has signaled a potential conclusion to its proceedings in the high-profile suo motu case concerning the tragic murder of esteemed journalist Arshad Sharif. The hearing, presided over by Justice Amir Farooq on Wednesday, highlighted significant delays in the cross-border investigation while the court refrained from assigning direct blame.
Court Expresses Frustration Over Investigation Pace
During the proceedings, Justice Amir Farooq openly criticized the sluggish pace of the investigation. He emphasized that while the court was dissatisfied with the progress, its intention was not to point fingers at any specific individual or institution. The judge confirmed that the bench would issue an appropriate order to move the matter forward.
The legal counsel representing Arshad Sharif's widow updated the court on the status. He informed that a commission was formed following the court's suo motu notice, but the probe remains ongoing. A critical development from Kenya was shared: a Kenyan court has ruled in the family's favor, officially classifying Sharif's death as a murder rather than an accident and ordering a formal investigation. However, the counsel lamented that no tangible progress has been achieved on the ground in Kenya so far.
Government's Stance and International Hurdles
The family's counsel expressed disappointment, stating they approached the court to seek assurance that the Government of Pakistan would firmly stand with them, but a gap persists between official statements and their expectations. Responding to this, Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman presented the government's position.
Rehman disclosed that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report has already been submitted. He outlined the challenges, noting that Kenya initially showed reluctance to cooperate. A breakthrough came in September last year when Pakistan and Kenya signed a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement. Rehman assured that a Pakistani team is ready to visit the crime scene once Kenyan authorities grant the necessary permissions.
When Justice Farooq inquired about the next steps post-agreement, the Additional Attorney General explained that investigations can now be conducted jointly, and crucial evidence can be collected from the scene with Kenya's cooperation.
Parallels Drawn and Suspects Named
The hearing also referenced the murder case of Dr. Imran Farooq. Justice Farooq noted that his murder in England was successfully investigated through joint efforts by UK and Pakistani police, suggesting a possible model. The Additional Attorney General, however, argued that the nature of the two cases is different.
Providing further updates, Rehman informed the court that the challan (charge sheet) in Pakistan has been filed, naming two suspects. Both individuals are currently believed to be in Kenya. The state has obtained black warrants for their arrest and has involved Interpol to apprehend them. Rehman stated that the domestic investigation within Pakistan is complete and revealed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has personally raised the issue with the Kenyan President, assuring the court of all possible efforts to expedite justice.
