National Police Service (NPS) has released a statement following the shooting of Pakistani journalist Arshad Mohammed Shariff whose death has raised a furore in his home country.
NPS said Shariff was shot by police in a case of mistaken identity after local cops in Magadi received a circular from Pangani Police Station of a stolen vehicle that was heading to the area.
"NPS regrets to announce an incident that occurred last night along Kwenia farm/Kamukuru marram road within Magadi, Kajiado where a foreigner national namely Arshad Mohammed Shariff, a Pakistan national aged 50 years was fatally wounded by a police officer while a passenger in a motor vehicle KDG 200M. At the time of the incident, the deceased was in the company of his brother namely Khurram Ahmed," NPS said in a statement.
"The Incident follows a circulation from Pangani Police of a stolen motor vehicle. The officers trailing the motor vehicle towards Magadi alerted the police in Magadi who erected a road barrier," the statement added.
NPS claim that the vehicle ferrying the Pakistani journalist refused to stop at a police roadblock prompting officers to open fire.
"Deceased's motor vehicle came upon the police barrier which they drove through. It is then that they were shot at. Fatally injuring late Arshad Mohammed Shariff," the statement reads.
"National Police Service regrets this unfortunate incident. Competent authorities are currently investigating the incident for appropriate action. The Ag. Inspector General on behalf of the service condoles with the family and friends of the deceased," the statement signed by Director Corporate communication/spokesperson National Police Service Bruno Isohi Shoso concludes.
Shariff's wife mourns
On Monday morning, Shariff’s wife Javeria Siddiqui took to Twitter and confirmed the news about the death of her husband. She also asked netizens to respect the privacy of the family and refrain from sharing the family pictures on social and other media.
"I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist@arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya.
Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don't share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital. Remember us in ur prayers," she tweeted.
I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya.
Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don't share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital.
Remember us in ur prayers. pic.twitter.com/wP1BJxqP5e— Javeria Siddique (@javerias) October 24, 2022
Public anger in Pakistan
Shariff's shooting in Kenya raised a furore in Pakistan with the country's entire top leadership including the Prime Minister, the President and even opposition leaders expressing utter shock.
President Arif Alvi termed Sharif's death a "great loss to journalism and Pakistan".
"May his soul rest in peace and may his family, which includes his followers, have the strength to bear this loss," tweeted the president.
Arshad Sharif’s death Is a great loss to journalism and Pakistan.
May his soul rest in peace and may his family, which includes his followers, have the strength to bear this loss
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وانا الیہ راجعون— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) October 24, 2022
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sadness over the shocking news of Shariff's tragic death.
"I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif's tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family."
I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif's tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 24, 2022
Former Pakistani Prime Minster and current opposition leader Imran Khan said he was shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Shariff, saying that he paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth.
"Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth - his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful. Today the entire nation mourns his death," Khan tweeted.
The former Prime Minister further called on the formation of a judicial investigation to examine the death of the famed Pakistani journalist.
"A proper judicial investigation must be instituted to examine his own statements plus evidence that other sources have. We have descended into a state of brutality, unknown in civilised society, indulged in by the powerful against those who dare to criticise & expose wrongdoings."
A proper judicial investigation must be instituted to examine his own statements plus evidence that other sources have. We have descended into a state of brutality, unknown in civilised society, indulged in by the powerful against those who dare to criticise & expose wrongdoings— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 24, 2022
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also demanded a transparent inquiry into the circumstances of the journalist's death.
"A long, grim record of violent tactics to silence journalists explain why the reported murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya has sent shock waves through the journalist community. The govt must pursue an immediate, transparent inquiry into the circumstances of his death. We express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. #JournalismIsNotACrime."
We express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. #JournalismIsNotACrime— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) October 24, 2022
Earlier on Monday, a petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the formation of a panel to ascertain the facts behind Shariff's death.
Petitioner Barrister Shoaib Razzaq sought the formation of a commission to determine under which circumstances Shariff had fled the country. He also urged the court to issue orders to bring the body of the journalist back to Pakistan.
Following this, the judge issued notices to the Interior and Foreign Secretaries. He also ordered officials from both ministries to meet the journalist’s family and submit a report by Tuesday.
Additional reporting by Geo News
