FCC disposes of Arshad Sharif murder case citing 'no need for any judicial interference'

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Tuesday disposed of the murder case of senior journalist Arshad Sharif, explaining that the Pakistani and Kenya governments were already looking into the matter and there was no need for the court's involvement. The high-profile case, once handled by the Supreme Court under its suo motu jurisdiction, migrated to the FCC after the 27th Constitutional Amendment reshaped the judicial landscape, transferring authority over constitutional and suo motu matters to the newly minted court. A two-member bench comprising Justices Aamir Farooq and Rozi Khan Barrech conducted the proceedings. An order issued today, authored by Justice Farooq, noted that Pakistan and Kenya had signed a mutual legal assistance agreement and were coordinating at the diplomatic level to implement it. "We are of the view that the authorities of both countries are taking appropriate action under their respective laws. Therefore, there is no need for any judicial interference in this regard when the law and investigation is taking its due course. "In light of the aforementioned discussion, the instant suo moto action is disposed of. Accordingly, all pending applications are also disposed of," the order said. It said it acknowledged and shared the "grief felt by our nation and the journalist community over the death". It further noted that "in case the legal heirs of Mr Sharif have any specific grievance in the matter they can approach the court(s) of competent jurisdiction." ---------------- This is a developing story.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/6V1xUNf