Senior Journalist Arshad Sharif. Photo: Twitter
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday requested an updated status report by December 17 on the investigation into the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif and asked lawyers from all parties to assist the court on the issue of its suo motu jurisdiction.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case.
The court directed that the forthcoming report should include details of legal progress so far as well as suggestions for future investigation, which will be taken up for discussion after the court’s winter recess.
Judge Aamer Farooq questioned why there had been little progress in the three years since the killing and what concrete steps had been taken to bring those responsible to justice.
During the hearing, the lawyer for Sharif’s widow argued that legal precedents allow the Constitutional Court to proceed with the suo motu case. She also requested access to the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report.
However, Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman said such access could be granted only after submission of the final challenge.
He informed the court that Pakistan had concluded a mutual legal assistance agreement with Kenya and formally requested permission to visit the crime scene. He added that Pakistan must consider its diplomatic relations with Kenya, which supports Pakistan in various international fora.
