SC ordered the government to form an “independent” JIT to investigate the death of Arshad Sharif

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court rejected the government’s establishment of a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate Arshad Sharif’s murder and asked for the formation of a new “independent” body.

“The federal government should form a new investigation team immediately.” “The court wants an independent team to investigate the matter,” said Pakistan’s Chief Justice, Umar Ata Bandial, as the Supreme Court resumed hearing the suo motu case of Sharif’s murder.

The CJP went on to say that the court does not want any of its members to have any connections with influential people.

Following the registration of the first information report on the court’s order earlier today, the government formed a five-member JIT to investigate Sharif’s murder.
The IG Islamabad formed the JIT today to investigate Arshad Sharif’s murder and appointed DIG headquarters as its chairman.
Today’s hearing
Chief Justice Bandial stated at the start of today’s hearing that the court would hear the slain journalist’s mother. However, journalist Hassan Ayub approached the rostrum and informed the court that she was unable to attend because there were no lifts in the court.
The journalist also told the court about the police’s treatment of the slain journalist’s family.

CJP Bandial apologised for the lift and assured the journalist that the police’s behaviour would be investigated as well.

Following that, Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman read the report of the fact-finding committee on the murder. He also stated that the report had been delivered to Sharif’s family.

The government lawyer also told the court that the Foreign Ministry was doing everything possible to help in this case.
At this point, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan inquired whether the alleged shooter was a Kenyan police officer. While Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned why three police officers’ interviews were not included in the report.
According to AAG Rehman, the investigative team obtained information from Kenyan officials, and the three cops in question were introduced by them. He also stated that the fourth cop could not be interviewed because he had been injured.
“In Kenya, we are attempting to contact the relevant minister and cabinet secretary.” “The Pakistan High Commission in Kenya is in contact with the appropriate authorities,” he said.

“In Kenya, we are attempting to contact the relevant minister and cabinet secretary.” “The Pakistan High Commission in Kenya is in contact with the appropriate authorities,” he informed the judges. He also notified the court that a case had been filed.
At this point, Justice Ahsan asked the government lawyer again who the shooters in this incident were. “They were Kenyan police officers,” said the AAG.
Meanwhile, Justice Bandial stated that the report was delivered to the court at 1:00 a.m.
The CJP stated that the journalist was brutally murdered and asked the government to seek cooperation from the Kenyan government. He also stated that some of the case’s witnesses were in Pakistan.

The chief justice then inquired whether anyone from the police department or those who wrote the report were present in the courtroom.
The AAG informed the CJP that the Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad and the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were present in court.
Meanwhile, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi pointed out that the Kenyan cops who shot at Sharif were not named in the report. He also inquired as to why no charges were filed against the Kenyan cops.
AAG Rehman responded by saying that it is necessary to review whether a case can be filed against foreigners. He went on to say that the report was part of the record.

“This is a very serious matter. I’m warning the government to take this matter seriously. “The court is not here to simply listen to you,” Justice Naqvi said in response to the AAG’s response.
The mother of the slain journalist became emotional as she appeared in court to witness the proceedings.
“We request justice in this case,” Sharif’s mother asked CJP Bandial. She went on to say that her son was forced to leave Pakistan and was not even spared while abroad.
“We sincerely apologise for the unfortunate incident,” the CJP said. He also assured the mother that the investigation team would work without being pressed.

“Mrs Alvi is a martyr’s mother.” “Would Arshad Sharif’s mother like to say anything else?” asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan. He assured the mother that the FIR had been filed and that her statement would be documented.
Meanwhile, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail noted that an activist was killed in Canada last year, and that if that case had been investigated, such an incident would not have occurred with a Pakistani expat.
“It’s very unfortunate that we act after the incident, rather than before,” Justice Mandokhail observed.
The court then directed the Foreign Ministry to cooperate with the JIT, adding that if cooperation from the UN or other international bodies is required, it must be sought.

The court then adjourned the hearing till tomorrow (Thursday).