The Foreign Press Association, Africa has issued a statement on the shooting and killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya on Sunday. An initial police report said officers shot him while he was in a moving vehicle in a case of mistaken identity. Sharif was a critic of Pakistan’s military as well as a vocal supporter of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan. The 49-year-old left Pakistan in August after complaining of harassment. He had previously been in the UK and Dubai before travelling to Kenya. It is not known exactly what he was doing in the East African country. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Foreign Press Association, Africa condemned the killing of Sharif. Read the statement:
RE OUR STATEMENT ON THE SHOOTING AND KILLING OF OUR COLLEAGUE ARSHAD SHARIF IN KENYA.
The Foreign Press Association, Africa is deeply disturbed by the killing, in Kenya, of renowned Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif. Particularly worrying are the circumstances in which the journalist met his tragic death. It’s, therefore, incumbent upon the Government of Kenya, to fully and conclusively investigate the incident. By doing so. Nairobi would be assuring foreign journalists based in the country and coveting Africa, including those who visit on assignment and other professional undertakings that they’re safe.
Sharif’s death has robbed the media fraternity globally of a dedicated and forthright journalist, who lived up to his calling. The Foreign Press Association, Africa stands with his family in this very trying moment, even as it urges the Government of Kenya to use every means at its disposal to dig up and unravel the mystery behind his killing.
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping the way people see the world.
Journalists and other media workers around the globe must be protected from threats, violence, arbitrary detention and death.