Hamid Mir's plea: Court summons Interior and Law Ministry officials

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 25 July 2024 |  JP Staff Reporter

The IHC has called on Interior and Law Ministry officials in response to a plea by Hamid Mir for a judicial investigation into journalist Arshad Sharif's murder. The court raised concerns about evidence located in Kenya and its implications on the investigation.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—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

KEY POINTS:

• IHC summoned Ministry officials regarding a plea by Hamid Mir.
• Request pertains to the murder investigation of journalist Arshad Sharif.
• Chief Justice questioned evidence access related to foreign countries.
• Judicial commission to conduct inquiry and publish a report.
• Investigative complications due to the main suspect being in Kenya.