ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has disposed of petitions seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, observing that the Supreme Court has already framed questions for a transparent inquiry into the case and is reviewing progress in the investigation.
The court noted that since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, it cannot order the formation of a judicial commission, as
doing so would amount to interference in the jurisdiction of the apex court. The petitions had been filed by senior journalist Hamid Mir, the Judicial Activism Panel, and Arshad Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique.
The court remarked in its order that the case is currently under suo motu proceedings before the Supreme Court. It further directed that the petitioners be kept informed of future progress in the matter by the government and other parties concerned.
The court’s decision noted that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of Arshad Sharif’s killing in October 2022 on December 6, 2022. The federal government subsequently formed a special joint investigation team (JIT) on December 7, 2022. The government also signed a mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement with Kenya, which allowed the JIT to carry out investigative work there.
The Supreme Court framed questions to ensure a transparent inquiry and has been monitoring the investigation’s progress. Among the queries raised was: what were the reasons that compelled Arshad Sharif to leave Pakistan? The JIT was also tasked with finding out why the Dubai government had ordered Sharif to leave the country. The Supreme Court continues to issue directions to ensure an independent and transparent probe.
The order further stated that the petitioners may directly raise the issue of forming a judicial commission before the Supreme Court.
