JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 10, 2024 at 08:30 am | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The widow of journalist Arshad Sharif, who was tragically murdered in Kenya nearly two years ago, has secured justice in the Kenyan legal system. In a vlog, she detailed the arduous journey to hold those responsible accountable, especially highlighting the lack of support from the Pakistani judiciary.
On Monday, a Kenyan High Court judge ordered legal action against the police officers involved in Sharif’s killing and awarded Rs21.67 million to his family. The court's ruling labeled the police firing as a human rights violation and mandated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the journalist's death.
Facing immense grief and initial disheartenment due to inaction in Pakistan, Sharif's widow took the courageous step to pursue justice in Kenya. She recognized that regardless of where the masterminds resided, the individuals who physically committed the act were in Kenya.
Her legal battle was bolstered by the support of international organizations such as Media Defense, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders. Despite the challenges, including significant legal fees and personal health issues, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice.
The Kenyan court's decision confirmed her claims that Sharif's murder was a case of targeted killing, not mistaken identity, as initially suggested. The court declared the firing by Kenyan police officers on Arshad a violation of human rights and illegal and ordered the government to take strict disciplinary action against those who fired at him.
Justice Stella Mutuku said that every person is equal before the constitution and law and has the right to live. The judgment also said that there should be a thorough investigation into the killing and the non-provision of information about the firing on him is a violation of the right to information.
Sharif's widow, alongside the Kenya Union of Journalists and the Kenya Correspondents Association, served as petitioners in the case to ensure that it would not be dismissed on the grounds of her non-Kenyan citizenship. The accused parties included high-ranking Kenyan officials and various police authorities.
The ruling marks a significant victory for press freedom and human rights, highlighting the importance of international support in such cases.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.