KARACHI: Following a year-long investigation into the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused authorities in both countries of being uncooperative and engaging in duplicity.

According to a press release by the RSF, the investigations have been marred by opacity, misleading information, a lack of collaboration, and a failure to apprehend the suspects.

This lack of action appears to prioritise personal interests over revealing the truth about Mr Sharif’s death and delivering justice for his family.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court, which initially took responsibility for investigating the Pakistani side of the case, aiming to simplify the complexities of this transnational incident, has not conducted any hearings on the matter since June 3.

Says investigations marred by misleading information, lack of collaboration

The RSF press release added that Kenyan authorities attributed the shooting to “mistaken identity,” claiming a roadblock targeted a stolen vehicle.

It said the claim “lacked credibility” as the stolen van bore no resemblance to Mr Sharif’s Land Cruiser, which was moving in the opposite direction.

The Independent Police Oversight Authority stated that officers’ firing was in response to shots from Mr Sharif’s car, but no weapon evidence was found, the RSF statement added. The probe has stalled, with the officers still free which has raised concerns.

The report briefly examined Pakistani security services’ potential involvement in the case, despite their role in Mr Sharif’s flight.

Mr Sharif was killed near Nairobi on October 24, 2022.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023