Pakistanis have been stunned by the shocking murder of the most popular TV journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.
Sharif was shot dead in Kenya allegedly by the local police on October 23 night, with an official police statement later expressing “regrets on the unfortunate incident” and saying an investigation was underway. Initially, the Kenyan media quoted the local police as saying Sharif was shot dead by police in a “mistaken identity” case.
Outrage in Pakistan
The killing has set off a wave of outrage, with activists, journalists, and common citizens demanding an immediate investigation. A petition has also been filed at Islamabad High Court, seeking the court to order the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the reasons that the journalist was forced to flee Pakistan, and later from the United Arab Emirates.
Some journalists also reported that Sharif was compelled to go to Kenya under unfavorable circumstances since he did not have a visa for any other country.
Tributes paid to ‘brave journalist’
Arshad Sharif, 49, had been working with ARY News before he was forced to leave Pakistan two months ago. His death came as a “terrible shock” for Pakistan’s journalist community as well as citizens.
His killing prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow colleagues and friends who recounted his unwavering devotion to the truth.
“Arshad Sharif, not just a colleague, a brother, is no more,” journalist Meher Bokhari wrote on Twitter. “From Islamabad to Moscow, from Dunya News to ARY, I’ve not known a finer gentleman” she said, adding that he was “shot dead. Too young. Too brutally.”
“My brother, my friend, my colleague Arshad Sharif was shot dead in Kenya. I still can’t believe it. It’s beyond heartbreaking. This is just wrong … this is painful … I love u brother,” ARY News anchorperson Kashif Abbasi tweeted.
Journalist Mohammad Malick wrote: “Just heard shocking news of Arshad sharif’s assassination. He was like a younger brother … Feels like my heart will burst with grief.”
Veteran journalist Kamran Khan also expressed his shock at Sharif’s killing, urging the authorities to act immediately “to get us facts”. He urged that “Kenyan officials and the GOP [Government of Pakistan] must act fast to get us facts on this devastating news about one of Pakistan’s most prominent journalists”.
Calls for investigation
Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan said he was shocked and demanded a proper judicial investigation into the killing.
The Foreign Press Association, Africa (FPA Africa) said it is “deeply disturbed” by Sharif’s killing, especially the circumstances in which he died. “Sharif’s death has robbed the media fraternity globally of a dedicated and forthright journalist,” FPA Africa said in a statement.
The association added that it is calling on authorities in Kenya to investigate the incident and thereby assure “foreign journalists based in the country and covering Africa, including those who visit on assignment and other professional undertakings that they’re safe.”
Kenyan journalists are also demanding answers from the country’s president and raising questions on the nature of the killing.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he has requested Kenyan President William Ruto to ensure transparent investigation into the killing.
Pakistanis mourn the killing of journalist
Pakistanis are mourning the loss of journalist Arshad Sharif, who was known for his investigative work and for bringing transparency to the government through his reporting of corridors of power.
People said they were “deeply saddened and heartbroken” and hoped his legacy “would serve as an inspiration” for future journalists.
Many people described him as a “hero” for his fierce and fearless reporting style.
Some people also shared the journalist’s childhood photo.