[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]On Thursday, the lawyer for slain journalist Arshad Sharif’s mother asked the Supreme Court to order the special joint investigation team (JIT) investigating the anchorperson’s murder to question the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and others who were making claims about people involved in the incident.
The hearing of the suo motu case would be resumed next week by a five-member bigger bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.
Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, counsel for the deceased’s mother, presented an application today stating that it was a matter of record that so many people made statements about the people engaged in the conspiracy and execution of the murder.
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“Because the applicant and her counsel were not given access to the fact-finding inquiry report and reports submitted by the JIT, the applicant is kept in the dark about the persons involved in the case investigation,” it read.
According to the plea, “these persons have made claims with complete certainty to this effect; therefore, they must be included in the investigation to collect evidence against the true perpetrators.” It mentioned the ex-prime minister, PTI leader Murad Saeed, former PTI member Faisal Vawda, the CEO of a renowned local news agency, and journalist Imran Riaz Khan as persons who should be investigated by the JIT.
“It is incumbent upon the JIT to examine these persons, as well as others making claims to this effect, in order to conclude the fair investigation,” the appeal stated.
It demanded that the head of the JIT be directed to investigate the individuals mentioned for the “purposes of investigation and evidence collection.”
Last month, the country’s highest court voiced concern with the speed with which a JIT was investigating the death of prominent journalist Arshad Sharif.
The court had stated that if the JIT does not make significant progress by the next hearing date, June 13, it will take alternative steps.
Sharif, a Pride of Performance award winner who specialised in investigative journalism, was shot and killed on October 23, 2022, by Kenyan police in what was termed as a case of mistaken identity.
CJP Bandial, commenting on the JIT’s progress report provided to the court, stated that the JIT goes into work just a day before the case’s hearing.
Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi had inquired whether the JIT had gathered any evidence thus far. “We have serious concerns about the JIT’s investigation pace.” And we are determined to get this case examined.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
