Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya was victim of ‘target killing’, interior minister says | World News
The country’s interior minister said a Pakistani journalist shot dead last month was the victim of a “targeted murder”.
Arshad Sharif, a vocal critic of the Pakistani military, died near the Kenyan capital Nairobi after his car was shot by police on October 23.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said: “Arshad Sharif’s death is not a case of mistaken identity – I can say, and according to the evidence we have to date, this primordial murder is a murder target.
“We still need to collect more [evidence] to confirm all of this… and we asked the Kenyan government for more data. “
An initial police report said his death was a case of “confusion of identity” but a later conflicting account from officers suggested that his car drove over a barrier. and the officers who opened fire were looking for the car thief at the time.
The 49-year-old is a major supporter of Imran Khanwho was ousted from his position as prime minister in April.
It is unclear when he traveled to Kenya, but he left Pakistan in August and complained of harassment.
His lawyer said he had spent time in the UAE before, from which Pakistani authorities sought his extradition.
After his death, Mr Khan claimed that he knew of the plot to kill Mr Arshad and that he advised him to flee the country.
Thousands of mourners attended his funeral in Islamabad and there were widespread protests over the circumstances of his death.
Faced with sedation fees
He is facing possible charges back home after his TV show was banned for claiming the military was involved in ousting Mr Khan.
Mr Khan was shot in the leg which his supporters claimed was “assassination plot“last week when he spoke at a rally.
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The journalist’s death comes after nine Kenyan policemen were arrested in connection with the disappearance of two Indians and their driver in July.
International concerns have been raised about the officially disbanded Kenya Police Special Services Unit, which has been accused of extrajudicial murder and torture.