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Investigating the murder of an investigative journalist

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Popular TV anchorperson and journalist Arshad Sharif, who was living in self-exile owing to threats to his life and a number of court cases registered against him in Pakistan — with one involving allegations of sedition — was killed in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday night. 

This is the only “fact” we all know other than the official version of Kenyan police that the slain journalist became the victim of “mistaken identity.” It is just the beginning of the investigation into the brutal murder of an investigative journalist in a country where journalism has never been easy, particularly for those who go into the depths of news stories, putting their lives at stake.

The government has now constituted a nine-member commission, comprising three senior officials each from the premier intelligence agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), who will fly to Nairobi to interview the Kenyan police officers who have “regretfully” claimed to have killed Arshad Sharif in a “mistaken identity” shooting. Ascertaining whether what Kenyan cops are saying is based on facts or not is going to be a test for Pakistani investigators.

It may not be easy for our sleuths to unearth a possible coverup, especially under the alleged “notorious” reputation of the Kenyan police which, according to a source who had served in Nairobi, has recently been given the power of “extrajudicial killings” — something similar to power once given to Karachi police in 1995-96.

Now, whether it was a case of “mistaken or known identity” or it was it a “fake encounter” or a “targeted killing,” is the first thing the Pakistani investigators need to look into other than the case history of the late Arshad Sharif and why he left Pakistan and under what circumstances he chose Kenya as his final destination.

The official version of the Kenyan police that it was a case of “mistaken identity,” had already cast doubts as they keep interpreting their own position like in most of the cases of “fake encounters.” So, I wonder how much they would cooperate with the Pakistani “Joint Investigation Team,” (JIT) and what other limited sources would be available to them for counter-checking.

It is highly unlikely the crime scene is still cordoned off or sealed, given the Kenyan police’s reputation. Nobody knows if Kenyans have secured the murder weapon as well as the spent shell casings as evidence after the shooting.

The most important factor in this case that could set the tone of the investigation is the statement of the late Arshad Sharif’s cousin, who was not only among the two surviving members but could also narrate the eyewitness account. 

However, he was the one whom Arshad is believed to have been in touch with and he also mentioned his name in the travelling documents and was likely staying with him. Thus, his statement would be quite revealing.

 Secondly, he would also be facing serious security threats, particularly in a place like Nairobi, known for all kinds of infamous activities by drug smugglers as well underworld networks in alleged connivance with police and law enforcement agencies.

A former Pakistani diplomat, who served in Kenya for many years, disclosed to this scribe on the condition of anonymity that the place was known for all kinds of illegal and dangerous activities and wondered if Pakistani investigators would be able to get the real story out of the Kenyans. “I am not sure if they had even conducted the postmortem of the body or not. Recently they have upgraded their police and also given them new weapons. But, can’t say it’s a case of mistaken identity or premeditated,” the former high commissioner said.

With all kinds of speculative stories in the mainstream and social media in the era of the mad “race for ratings”, real questions are missing in regard to investigation and there is every chance of a “coverup,” as the Nairobi police have that kind of reputation.

One of the retired police officials, who had a personal experience of the Kenyan police’s questionable track record, doubted they would be of any help to the Pakistani investigation team. “I had a firsthand experience when I went there in regard to the murder of one of my relatives and got very little cooperation despite being their counterpart,” he said.

Nairobi was among the worst cities with high crime rates.

Other questions which immediately come to my mind in this case and need to be looked at are:

Q 1: Where are Arshad’s mobile phones as the data would be key to starting the investigation? Are they with the police or in his cousin’s custody? Besides, all his travelling documents and other records also need to be found.

Q 2: Are all those police officials, who allegedly killed Arshad Sharif, in the custody of Kenyan law enforcement agencies?

Q 3: Which Kenyan agency is investigating the case as the police, in this case, are already a party?

Q 4: Has the autopsy been conducted and if so, what are its findings?

Q 5: When did Arshad Sharif reach Nairobi and what was his plan? Was it just to visit a first cousin or friends or was he there to stay for long if not for good? The answer to this question could be found with the help of his cousin.

Q 6: Did he leave UAE voluntarily or was declared a persona non-grata at the request of Pakistani authorities?

Q 7: Who booked [and some other journalists critical of the present government] and filed cases against him including a sedition case leaving him with no other option but to leave the country?

Q 8: Why did the management of a private TV channel, for which Arshad had been anchoring a top-rated talk show for many years, ask him to leave?

Pakistan is among the three most dangerous countries in the world for journalists and investigative journalism in particular. You need to dig out stories of the wrongdoings of the rulers and other relevant players at great risk to life. In the past also, such investigative reporters came under attack, faced threats, disappeared, and at times killed.

Those who in the past were attacked for their work include Umer Cheema, Ahmad Noorani, the late Saleem Shahzad, Asad Toor, Matiullah Jan and even Kamran Khan. Journalists like Hamid Mir also come under attack for their work.

In the last few months Arshad Sharif, Sabir Shakir, and Arif Hameed Bhatti had also left the country. Bhatti later returned to Pakistan. Similarly, anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan also faced pressure and lost his job with different channels. He too has a huge following on his YouTube channel.

This is for the first time in Pakistan’s history that a journalist had been killed while in self-exile or living abroad due to a threat to his life. The other case is that of a Pakistani journalist settled in the US, Ms Nafisa Shah’s husband and a well-known writer and researcher Javed Bhutto. She has been fighting a lone legal battle against the suspected killer for the last two years.

Journalism is a profession based upon a commitment to principles of honesty, fairness, credibility, and respect for truth. Now, whether you are working for print, electronic, or digital media, every journalist needs to follow these essential principles.

With Arshad Sharif’s murder, the country has lost a bold, straightforward, and courageous journalist, who stood to his commitment and belief whether one agrees with his views or not. He investigated a number of stories which made headlines.

Will the story of an investigative journalist be investigated in a free and fair manner and the report made public? Wait and see.

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Education

Students from Balochistani start their academic adventure in China.

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China is the destination of ten Gwadar Institute of Technology (GIT) students who are going there for school. They will be pursuing Associate Engineering Diplomas at Hebei Jiaotong Vocational and Technical College after being chosen for the Sino-Pak Dual Diploma Program.

These students had the privilege of seeing the Chinese Consul General in Karachi prior to their departure, where they were greeted with warmth and given support for their future ambitions.

These ten people, who are from Pasni, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, and Surab, among other places, exemplify the talent and diversity of Balochistan.

The Government of Balochistan and the well-known Chinese corporation Tang are supporting this opportunity, which gives these youngsters a grant to help with their study overseas.

The children would want to express their sincere gratitude to the Pakistan Army and the Government of Balochistan for making this opportunity possible.

They are excited to take advantage of this opportunity to continue their studies and support Balochstan’s growth, especially through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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Latest News

Amid controversy surrounding judges’ letters, PM Sharif will meet with CJP Isa today.

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Today’s key meeting between Pakistan’s Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is planned in the midst of ongoing discussions regarding a letter sent by six justices of the Islamabad High Court regarding outside meddling in court cases.

Azam Nazir Tarar, the minister of law, and Mansoor Usman Awan, the attorney general for Pakistan, are expected to accompany Prime Minister Sharif to the CJP meeting.

The meeting follows a full court session that CJP Isa called on Wednesday, with the express purpose of addressing issues brought up in a letter signed by six judges of the Islamabad High Court.

All of the participating judges carefully examined the letter’s contents during the session, analyzing both its constitutional and legal consequences. Discussions about the letter’s publication’s legal and constitutional ramifications were also included in the session.

All of the judges actively participated in the lengthy two hours and twelve minute discussion, offering their thoughts on the subject at hand.

According to sources, the top judge of Pakistan is expected to chair another full court meeting today. It is anticipated that this session would examine the letter’s contents in greater detail, with additional evaluation and discussion among the SC judges.

On Wednesday, the bar associations of the High Courts of Islamabad, Lahore, Sindh, and Balochistan urged that the CJP conduct a “transparent inquiry” into the matter and that those responsible for it face legal repercussions.

Its cabinet “strongly condemned the interference of one institution into the matters of another institution,” according to a press release from the IHCBA.

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Business

Changes in the US dollar’s value are directly correlated with variations in gold prices.

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The price of 24-karat gold in Pakistan increased by Rs1500 on Thursday, reaching Rs231,000 per tola. This was another jump in the price of gold in the country.

Dealers reported a comparable surge in the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold, which is currently trading at Rs198,045 after rising by Rs1285. In addition, the cost of ten grams of 22-karat gold increased significantly, trading at Rs 181,541.

These fluctuations are strongly correlated with shifts in the US dollar’s value, demonstrating the tight connection between gold prices and exchange rates. This emphasizes how local gold markets are impacted by variables related to the global economy.

At Rs2,580, the price of 24-karat silver remains steady right now. The price of gold increased significantly on a global scale as well, rising by $14 to $2,214 per ounce.

It’s critical to understand that changes in the worldwide market can have a substantial impact on gold prices in Pakistan throughout the day. The gold rates that are offered are obtained from reliable sources, mostly situated in Karachi and Multan.

It is recommended that individuals seek the advice of nearby gold merchants and jewellers for the most precise and current information regarding gold prices.

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