JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 25, 2024 at 04:15 pm | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday summoned officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law in response to anchor Hamid Mir's request to establish a judicial commission to investigate the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, according to the BBC.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq presided over the hearing, during which he remarked that the Inspector General (IG) and the Special Joint Investigation Team (SJIT) claimed their investigation was hampered because critical evidence was located in Kenya. The Chief Justice questioned the Attorney General on the government's stance regarding the formation of the commission.
The Additional Attorney General informed the court that the case involved two foreign countries alongside Pakistan, and access to evidence in other countries could only be obtained through mutual legal agreements.
Chief Justice Farooq inquired about the feasibility of forming a commission to investigate the murder case within Pakistan. "What is wrong with this? It should be investigated. If not today, then ten years later," he stated. The Additional Attorney General mentioned that the matter was also under consideration by the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, police officials pointed out that complications arose because the main suspect was in Kenya. Chief Justice Farooq questioned the purpose of the judicial commission, asking if it was required to submit a challan. He emphasized that the judicial commission should conduct an inquiry and publish its report.
The Chief Justice then summoned officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law for the next hearing.
Photo credit: Geo.tv
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Saadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
September 26, 2024: The Information Department Lahore has issued letters to cancel the declarations of numerous newspapers in Punjab, sparking concerns about press freedom, particularly in South Punjab. The delayed notification has raised questions about transparency and the future of local journalism.
September 26, 2024: A UN expert calls on Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the 2022 killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, following a historic ruling by the Kenyan High Court deeming the killing unlawful and disproportionate.
October 02, 2024 Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 25, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024 Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 24, 2024 Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024 Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.