Journalists shocked and saddened by the loss of colleague Arshad Sharif

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 years ago

ISLAMABAD—The violent death of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya has shocked the media community, as condolences and condemnations poured in after his wife confirmed the news early Monday.

Javeria Siddique, in a tweet, said she has lost a "friend, husband and my favourite journalist [Arshad Sharif] today, as per police he was shot in Kenya." She requested respect for the privacy of the family in this difficult hour. "Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don't share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital."

Meanwhile, according to Dawn, the Foreign Office spokesman Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan's High Commission in Kenya was ascertaining information from the authorities.

Earlier this year, police booked Sharif, ARY Digital Network President Salman Iqbal, Head of News and Current Affairs Ammad Yousaf, anchorperson Khawar Ghumman and a producer for sedition over an interview by PTI leader Dr. Shahbaz Gill broadcast on the channel on August 8.

The Interior Ministry canceled the channel's no-objection certificate. However, the decision was reversed after an order from the Sindh High Court. After that, Sharif left the country, fearing for his life.

Several journalists took to Twitter to express their grief. ARY News anchorperson Kashif Abbasi said he was unable to cope with the sad news. "My brother, my friend my colleague arshad shareef was shot dead in Kenya..I still can't believe it. It's beyond heart breaking.this is just wrong.. this is painful.. I love u brother."

Geo News journalist Hamid Mir termed Sharif's death "unbelievable." Another Geo journalist Shahzeb Khanzeda said he was extremely sad to hear about the devasting news.

Anchor Mehr Bukhari said she had lost a brother and a fine gentleman. "Arshad Sharif, not just a colleague, a brother, is no more. From Islamabad to Moscow, from Dunya News to ARY, I've not known a finer gentleman. Shot dead. Too young. Too brutally. Still can not wrap my head around it."

Kamran Khan of Dunya News termed the news of Sharif's death heartbreaking. "Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya" can't believe!. HEART BREAKING STUNNING ASTONISHING. Few news accounts speak of Arshad killed in traffic accident? Kenyan officials and GOP must act fast to get us facts on this devastating news about one of Pakistan's most prominent journalists."

Rauf Klasra said he had lost a lifelong friend. "Friends since 1998 when I joined Dawn Islamabad. Father of 5 school going kids,he was only male guardian of family left after Naval Commander father & Major Dr brother died on same day in 2011. Words alone cant explain grief & pain we all are suffering."  

Khawar Ghumman posted a couplet of Faiz Ahmed Ahmed and posted an interview of Arshad Sharif in which he is talking about his death.

Cyril Almeida, formerly of Dawn, said, "System is broken, grotesque…"