Tag: Kenya

  • Arshad Sharif’s murder ‘planned and targeted assassination’, says fact finding team report

    Arshad Sharif’s murder ‘planned and targeted assassination’, says fact finding team report

    The fact-finding team (FFT) probing the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif has concluded that his killing was a case of planned and targeted assassination.

    The finding was disclosed in the report of the two-member fact team (FFT) from a committee comprising of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Dr Athar Wahood and Intelligence Bureau Deputy Director General Omer Shahid Hamid.

    In its 592-page report, the team learned that Arshad Sharif, who had been compelled to leave UAE and seek refuge in Kenya, wanted to return to the Emirates but found his way back blocked, losing his life in the African country.

    The report stated that some of the FIRs which compelled Arshad Sharif to leave Pakistan were filed at the behest and under pressure of the ISI according to the policemen who filed them.

    The report said per testimonies provided by his former colleagues and employer, Arshad Sharif had been forced out of UAE after he reportedly met with UAE security officials in his hotel lobby in mid August.

    Arshad Sharif had left the UAE even though he had a valid visa for the country.

    Arshad Sharif FFT reportDownload

    The FFT report further said that his departure from UAE came after consultations with the Dubai based team of his employer.

    The report stated that Waqar – who sponsored and hosted the journalist – was connected to Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and other international agencies and law enforcement organisations.

    It further said that the fact that Waqar handed over Sharif’s personal cell phone and iPad to a NIS officer, rather than to the police, ‘established’ his link with the NIS.

    “His linkage with national and international agencies provides a scope of possibilities of transnational characters in this case,” the report states.

    The narrations presented by Khurram, who drove the vehicle prior to Sharif’s murder, regarding the sequence of events and the crime scene, were contrary to logic and facts, and that there were no penetration marks of a bullet on Sharif’s car seat, the report points out. It also highlights that the Kenyan police quickly declared the killing a case of “mistaken identity” without investigation. The post-mortem report in Pakistan identified that four fingernails of the slain journalist’s left hand were missing, giving rise to speculation that Sharif had been tortured before his death, says the report but adds that while the Kenyan post-mortem did mention “fingernails” taken as DNA samples, it did not mention how many fingernails were taken.

    “Keeping in view the apparent differences in the two post-mortem reports, there is no concrete evidence to establish that Arshad Sharif was tortured before the killing,” the report said.

  • Committee asks PTI’s Murad Saeed to submit Arshad Sharif’s laptop

    Committee asks PTI’s Murad Saeed to submit Arshad Sharif’s laptop

    A fact-finding committee that is currently investigating the murder of senior journalist Arshad Sharif has asked Murad Saeed, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, (PTI) to provide the slain newsman’s laptop to the committee on November 28.

    Geo News has reported that the fact-finding committee has written to Saeed that, “During the proceedings of the finding team it has come on record that you are in possession of the Apple MacBook of deceased senior journalist Arshad Sharif. Therefore you are requested to provide the device of the deceased enabling the fact-finding team to ascertain the facts.”

    The committee has also requested Saeed to cooperate.

    In his letter to the FIA fact-finding committee written on November 21, Saeed expressed reservations and refused to cooperate.

    ”The mother of Shaheed Arshad Sharif has already expressed her reservations and expressed dissatisfaction over the govt of Pakistan’s handling of the matter”, Saeed wrote.

    However, he said that he is “willing to appear before the judicial commission constituted by the august SC and present all the information he has with respect to the matter.”

    Earlier this month, the fact-finding committee summoned Murad Saeed and ex-member of PTI, Faisal Vawda.

    Saeed also said that he knew who was threatening the slain journalist in Pakistan, forcing him to flee the country.

    On October 23, Sharif was killed by local police in Kenya in what they said was a case of “mistaken identity”.

  • Faisal Vawda and Murad Saeed summoned by commission looking into Arshad Sharif’s murder

    Faisal Vawda and Murad Saeed summoned by commission looking into Arshad Sharif’s murder

    A fact-finding committee set up by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the murder of senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif has Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed and ex-member of the party, Faisal Vawda.

    The two politicians have been directed to appear before the committee next week on November 21.

    The FIA has said that since both politicians have claimed to have known about the threats that Sharif was facing, it is important that they provide all the details they know to the authorities. The agency sent notices to the two leaders to appear before FIA ​​headquarters with evidence.

    Faisal Vawda has claimed he knew who was behind Sharif’s murder. During a press conference, he also claimed that he was in contact with Sharif and stated that he will share evidence with the Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

    Subsequently, his party membership was revoked. PTI said that he would not be allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media as he had “grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines”.

    Saeed has also said that he knew who was threatening the slain journalist in Pakistan, forcing him to flee the country.

  • ‘Waqar and Khurram killed Arshad Sharif’: Rana Sanaullah

    ‘Waqar and Khurram killed Arshad Sharif’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khurram and his brother Waqar, who were hosting slain journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, conspired with local police to kill the newsman.

    “This is a joint conspiracy of Waqar, Khurram and five Kenyan police officers,” said the federal minister on Geo News programme “Geo Pakistan” adding that the murder was a “target killing”.

    The interior minister said that Sharif went to Kenya from Dubai on Waqar’s sponsorship and he was staying in his flat. He also said that Waqar helped Sharif in getting an online visa.

    It is pertinent to mention that when Sharif was shot, Khurram was with him, driving the car, however, he was not injured by police gunfire and remained unharmed.

    “We have the record of everything including why Sharif went to Waqar’s house and stayed as a guest,” claimed the minister. He also revealed that Waqar is not being named in the case because the commission has yet to go and look into these matters.

    During the interview, Sanaullah said that Sharif didn’t want to leave the country.

    The interior minister said that he would request Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to talk to the Kenyan president again because the Kenyan police are “not cooperating”.

    Earlier in the week, “On the Front” host Kamran Shahid unearthed details of the murder on his show, stating, “At eight o clock on the night of October 23, Arshad Sharif was shot while sitting in the car with Khurram, who drove him [Arshad Sharif] via a long route instead of the usual one on the day the anchorperson was martyred.”

  • ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif—who is currently in Saudi Arabia—has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is using the tragic killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif for “petty politics”.

    His statement has come after Khan’s comments about Sharif’s death, terming it “a targeted killing”.

    Taking to Twitter, the Premier said: “Imran Niazi is playing a dangerous game. He is using the tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics and going to the extent of casting aspersions on state institutions.”

    PM Shehbaz further said that the PTI chief should wait for the findings of the Judicial Commission which was constituted to probe the death of the slain journalist.

    ‘Mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai’: Imran Khan on Arshad Sharif’s death

    On October 25, Khan claimed that the killing of journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was a targeted killing, stressing that he himself warned the newsman that his life was under threat.

    Addressing an Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) convention in Peshawar, Khan said, “Jo marzi log kahein, mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai” (Whatever people say, I know it was target killing), adding that “Arshad knew that his life was in danger, he was repeatedly warned. I told him too but despite that, he didnt step back even once or get scared,” he said in the speech.

    During the convention, Khan further said Arshad Sharif was the journalist he respected the most, using the term “martyred” for the late television host.

    Imran Khan heaped laurels on the slain journalist, calling him brave and pointing out that he put his life in danger but stayed on the path of justice “People threatened him, offered him money but he didnt change his stance,” Imran Khan revealed.

    “I told him to leave the country, but he did not listen,” Khan shared.

    “Sharif also criticised me, when he used to think I was wrong”, the PTI chief said.

    “Then I received information that they were about to kill him. They invaded his home and scared him in front of his family just so that he doesn’t speak the truth,” the former premier claimed.

    Imran said Sharif left the country but was being called back when his visa in the UAE was about to expire. “Not because he committed a crime but just so he doesn’t speak the truth. And they wanted to do the same with him what they did with Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill and Jameel Farooqui,” Imran added.

    He repeatedly urged the lawyers’ community at the convention to take a stand. “You people have more responsibility because you know justice and the role of law more than the citizens.”

    “I will fight these cruel people till my last breath”, he said, adding that Allah has not given us the choice of being neutral.

    On Monday, Khan tweeted: “Arshad Sharif’s murder has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. It has highlighted an ongoing targeting of anyone who dares to criticise or question those holding power. When will our senior Judiciary act to ensure our citizens’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected”.

    On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya in a reported shooting incident by the country’s police.

  • ‘Investigation should be held on why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan’: DG ISPR

    ‘Investigation should be held on why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan’: DG ISPR

    Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar, has said that the military has requested the federal government to conduct a “high-level investigation” into the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya.

    On October 23, Sharif was shot dead near Nairobi, Kenya, by the local police. The local law enforcing authorities have termed the killing a case of ‘mistaken identity’.

    While talking to 24 News, DG ISPR said, “We have requested the government to hold a high-level investigation so that all these speculations can be put to rest.”

    Gen Iftikhar stressed that it is important to find out why the journalist left Pakistan, where did he live all this time, and what circumstances led to this incident.

    “Investigation should be held that why Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan,” the DG ISPR said while adding that we have to put an end to the speculations.

    He regretted that people are accusing institutions, stressing that the military has also requested the government “to take legal action against all these people who are leveling allegations without any evidence”.

    “This is why it is most upsetting that his death is being used for baseless conversations and fingers are being raised on it. We just have to see who is using this unfortunate incident, who is the beneficiary of this thing,”‘ General Iftikhar pointed out.

    Describing Arshad Sharif as a “very professional man”, the General observed that everyone is sad about his tragic death.

    Earlier in the day, General Headquarters (GHQ) asked the government to constitute a high-level panel to look into the tragic circumstances of Arshad’s death.

  • Case of mistaken identity or assassination? Kenyan media raises questions

    Case of mistaken identity or assassination? Kenyan media raises questions

    Kenyan media is raising question on the death of Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif.

    “Was it a case of mistaken identity or was it a case of assassination of a journalist known as a sharp critic of the Pakistani government?” a television news report broadcasted on a Kenyan news channel asked.

    The report states that on the night of October 23, Arshad Sharif, accompanied by his ‘brother’ Khurram Ahmed, left a farm owned by his friend.

    At Kamukuru Road, the car he was travelling was shot at. The police statement admitted that they had opened fire on the vehicle, stating that the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

    The Questions the report asked:

    Did the police attempt to stop the vehicle and did the occupants defy the orders?

    Why did the police open fire even though the occupants of the car were not shooting at that time?

    Why did not the police shoot at the tyres to immobilize the car instead of using lethal force?

    Why did the police aim at the passenger and not the driver?

    Why did the police open fire when they suspected that a child was on board the vehicle that was reportedly carjacked?

    If the vehicle was commonly seen on that road then what caused the mistaken identity?

    How did the police confuse KDG 200M and a KDG 700F number plates? What was the colour and model of the vehicle that was carjacked?

    Arshad Sharif died on Sunday night in Kenya in a reported shooting incident. He was killed after being hit by a bullet in the head as his car crossed a police blockade. Admitting to the killing, Kenyan police has called it an incident of ‘mistaken identity’.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called Kenya’s President  William Ruto and asked for a conclusive investigation into the incident.

  • ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    The killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif late Sunday night has sent shockwaves across the country. Kenyan authorities have confirmed that the renowned television anchor was killed by local police, in what they have said was a case of mistaken identity.

    According to reports, the journalist left Pakistan in August for Dubai. It is unclear when did he go to Kenya.

    Following the tragic news, politicians, journalists extended condolences and expressed shock at the sudden demise of the leading newsman.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a tweet, “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.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi termed Arshad’s death as “A great loss to journalism and Pakistan”. In a tweet, he extended his condolences on the journalist’s death.

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, too turned to Twitter to express his shock, stating that that today the entire nation mourns Arshad Sharif’s death. He said, “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.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo spoke to the media in London. About Arshad’s death, he said, “I am really saddened by the news”.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and extended his deepest condolences to “his family and loved ones”.

    Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari shared a Quranic verse through her Twitter account.

    More politicians and senior journalists including Arshad’s colleagues expressed their shock on Twitter when the news broke out in the early hours of Monday.

  • IN PICTURES: Mahira Khan’s ‘wild’ vacation

    Soon after recovering from COVID-19, Mahira Khan took some much-needed downtime and jetted off to Masai Mara in Kenya with her son Azlaan and brother Hassan Khan for a vacation in the “wild”.

    Sharing pictures from her trip, Mahira said: “Feeling at home in the wild.”

    Mahira also shared selfies of herself chilling with the locals.

    Now that’s what you call chai with a view.

    Into the jungle!

    Mahira has a string of releases including The Legend of Maula Jatt and Neelofar lined up for when cinemas reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic. The actor is also working on her first-ever web series Baarwan Khiladi as a producer. Khan has set up a production house Soulfry Films with her dear friend and producer Nina Kashif. Baarwan Khiladi will be their first project together.

    Meanwhile, Mahira also wants to make a comeback to the small screen this year.

  • Khadijah Shah responds to backlash on Élan’s ‘racist’ lawn campaign

    Khadijah Shah responds to backlash on Élan’s ‘racist’ lawn campaign

    Lawn campaigns are a big deal in Pakistan and all designers go above and beyond to come up with eye-catching ones. However, some times, the campaigns come under fire for being controversial. This year, Élan was on the receiving end of backlash and criticism for being racist because it featured an African model, which people thought was being used as a prop.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_XoflYg6zv/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zU1JWg4gA/

    Following social media outrage, Élan’s creative head and CEO Khadijah Shah took to social media to explain the campaign and the concept behind it.

    “It’s heartening to see that we stand against racism and cultural misappropriation, but at the same time we must know what these terms mean,” wrote the designer on social media. Shah then proceeded to define the terms ‘cultural appropriation’ and ‘racism’ and explained how they do not apply to Élan’s campaign.

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267821795219959815?s=20
    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267824733665427461?s=20
    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267826504194420738?s=20

    Khadijah then requested everyone criticising the campaign not to disrespect their friends from Lamu by passing insensitive comments.

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267830078727061513?s=20

    She also explained why donkeys were part of some of the pictures.

    “As for those finding the image with the donkeys offensive; donkeys are beloved in Lamu,” wrote Khadijah. “They are taken care of and the only mode of transportation. In our country not only do we treat donkeys badly we also use it as a term to insult others.”

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267841731468427265?s=20

    Read more – Khadijah Shah receives a signed ‘Thank you note’ from Kate Middleton

    The designer also shared that the brand has featured both male and female models in their previous campaigns and there has never been any such criticism.

    https://twitter.com/khadijah_shah/status/1267845940628652032?s=20

    Meanwhile, model Mushk Kaleem, who featured in the campaign, said that beauty, equality, love and acceptance have no skin tones.

    “This Élan’s campaign is so close to my heart and with its launch, it is extremely sad to see all the negativity that is pouring in,” wrote Mushk.

    “Posing alongside me, in this stunning campaign is my beautiful friend, who I had an excellent time working with, and who I also learnt a lot from – Gabriel Fords.”

    “Unfortunately, many people are speaking about how the male model is being used as a prop or an accessory. Why is that so?” she questioned.

    Kaleem added, “This campaign is a celebration and a declaration of love, of equality, of acceptance, of tolerance – of cultures and heritages without any borders and boundaries.”

    “Gabriel Fords, who is as much a vital part of this campaign as I am, is not a prop or an accessory. This entire shoot screams inclusivity. It is about bridging cultures, about educating people about the normalcy of an interracial love.”

    “I’m very proud to be part of this campaign,” concluded the model.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7SBxppzzD/

    Earlier in 2018, Sana Safinaz had come under fire for its racist representation of the Masai Mara people. They later issued a clarification and said that their campaign aimed to celebrate the beautiful Masai culture.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BgFp1tzng2o/?utm_source=ig_embed