The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) dismissed on Tuesday the murder case of senior journalist Arshad Sharif, attributing the matter to ongoing investigations by both Pakistan and Kenya. Once handled under the Supreme Court’s suo motu jurisdiction, the case transferred to the FCC following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which shifted authority over constitutional and suo motu matters to the new court.
A two-member bench of Justices Aamir Farooq and Rozi Khan Barrech presided over the proceedings. The order issued by Justice Farooq emphasized that Pakistan and Kenya had a mutual legal assistance agreement in place and were coordinating at the diplomatic level to implement it effectively.
“We are of the view that the authorities of both countries are taking appropriate action under their respective laws,” stated the order. “Therefore, there is no need for any judicial interference as the law and investigation are proceeding as they should.”
“The instant suo moto action is thus disposed of, along with all pending applications,” it added.
The document acknowledged and expressed sympathy for “the grief felt by our nation and the journalist community over Mr Sharif’s death.” It also noted that in cases where legal heirs had specific grievances regarding the matter, they could pursue their claims through courts of competent jurisdiction.