Murder of Arshad Sharif should be probed from all aspects: CJP

• A five-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial.
• CJP Bandial inquired about the progress in the investigations of Sharif’s murder.
• The Special JIT has recorded the statements of 41 people.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan took notice of the delay on part of the government in writing a letter to the Kenyan government for mutual assistance in Arshad Sharif’s murder probe.

The apex court also directed the joint investigation team (JIT) to approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the inclusion of the United Nations in the probe.

A five-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, issued the directive during the hearing of a suo moto notice in the high-profile murder case. The bench consisted of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar.

Apart from the Special JIT members, IG Islamabad Police and FIA officials, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs also appeared in the court.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan directed that the circumstances under which Arshad Sharif went to Kenya from Dubai should also be investigated. The main issue is the murder of Arshad Sharif, it should be investigated from all aspects.

CJP Bandial inquired about the progress in the investigations of Sharif’s murder.

The Additional Attorney General replied that the progress report has been submitted. The Special JIT has recorded the statements of 41 people.

The Additional Attorney General told the court that the investigation consists of three parts including Kenya, UAE, and Pakistan. The JIT has now gone to Kenya for enquiry. JIT could not go to Kenya before January 15 because there were holidays.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial asked that the 41 people who were inquired about by the JIT are they in Pakistan.

The Additional Attorney General replied that those who are outside will first go to Kenya for enquiry. He said Interpol will be contacted after the investigation into people in Kenya. Three stages of the investigation will be carried out.

“Arshad Sharif’s death isn’t just a matter of human rights but a gruesome murder,” CJP Bandial said.

Also Read

SC orders JIT to submit report of Arshad Sharif’s murder case

A five-member bench heard Arshad Sharif’s murder suo moto case. Chief Justice...

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till the first week of February.