Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Amir Farooq has reserved the decision on the petition seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the murder of Arshad Sharif, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
During the hearing of the case, Attorney General Mansoor Awan submitted that efforts are underway for a mutual legal agreement with the Kenyan government.
What progress can be made after the mutual legal agreement? Chief Justice Amir Farooq questioned.
People related to Arshad Sharif's murder are in Kenya, the AttorneyThe General replied.
Attorney General further submitted that the person who picked Arshad up from the airport and who was present at the time of the incident is also in Kenya.
Even if a judicial commission is formed, it will not be given access in Kenya, and Kenyan authorities will not be bound to appear before the commission, the Attorney General submitted.
If an agreement is reached with Kenya, will it be for providing evidence? Chief Justice Amir Farooq inquired.
Yesterday, the High Court gave a decision regarding the cases filed against Arshad Sharif across the country, and in its verdict, the court remarked that Arshad Sharif was harassed by public authorities and agencies, Counsel for petitioner Shoaib Razaq replied.
A journalist was killed, and everyone knows what the circumstances were that Arshad Sharif had to leave the country, the lawyer argued.
I used to get messages that another FIR had been filed, do what you have to do, lawyer Shoaib Razak further argued.
Arshad Sharif firmly believed that he did not leave the country; he did not even have a visa, his lawyer said.
We understand your sentiments, but this court has to decide according to law, not sentiment, the Chief Justice remarked.
Our case is how many cases were filed against Arshad Sharif in Pakistan and how he was harassed and forced to leave the country, the lawyer pleaded.
Even if the writ is approved, it will not be clear that there is a connection between the issues of Pakistan and Kenya, the Attorney General submitted.
Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani