The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday said the suo motu case related to the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif has reached its final stage. The court indicated that a formal order would be issued after reviewing written submissions from all parties.
Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing. He directed the concerned parties to submit their written arguments within five days. The judge stated that once the court receives these submissions, it will pass an appropriate order.
During the proceedings, Justice Farooq noted that the investigation had moved forward slowly. However, he made it clear that the court did not want to place blame on any institution for the delay. He emphasized that the focus remained on reaching a legal conclusion.
Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman briefed the court on the progress of the case. He said that the Kenyan government had initially refused to cooperate with Pakistani investigators. This lack of cooperation had slowed the investigation in the Arshad Sharif murder case.
He added that the situation changed after Pakistan and Kenya signed a Mutual Legal Assistance agreement in September last year. According to him, this agreement allows both countries to support each other in criminal investigations.
The additional attorney general informed the court that two suspects have been named in the challan. He said black warrants were issued for suspects believed to be in Kenya. Interpol has also been contacted to help arrest them.
Justice Farooq asked what further steps were possible after the agreement with Kenya. In response, the government lawyer said a Pakistani investigation team would visit Kenya once full cooperation is ensured. The team would examine the crime scene and collect further evidence.
The court was also told that the prime minister personally contacted the Kenyan president. The call aimed to speed up cooperation and move the investigation forward.
During the hearing, the court discussed the Imran Farooq murder case. Justice Farooq pointed out that Pakistani and British police conducted a joint investigation in that case. However, the additional attorney general argued that the Imran Farooq case was different from the killing of Arshad Sharif.
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After hearing all arguments, the court adjourned the proceedings. The next hearing will take place after written submissions are filed.
