ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday signaled that the suo motu proceedings in the Arshad Sharif murder case have reached their final stage and that it will issue an appropriate order shortly. During the hearing, the court directed all parties to submit written arguments within five days. Justice Aamer Farooq, who presided over the proceedings, noted that the investigation had progressed slowly.
However, he clarified that the bench did not intend to apportion blame for the delay. He added that the court would pass a suitable order after receiving the written submissions.
Government cites progress after Kenya agreement
Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman informed the court that the Kenyan government had initially declined cooperation with Pakistan’s investigation.
However, he said the two countries concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance agreement in September last year. As a result, Kenyan authorities have agreed to extend cooperation, and Pakistan will dispatch an investigation team to the crime scene. Justice Farooq asked what further progress could follow the agreement.
In response, Rehman stated that authorities had named two suspects in the challan, issued black warrants for suspects believed to be in Kenya, and contacted Interpol to assist in their arrest.
During the hearing, participants referred to the Imran Farooq murder case. Justice Farooq observed that Pakistani and British police had conducted a joint investigation in that matter. The additional attorney general argued that the nature of the two cases differed. Ultimately, the court adjourned proceedings until parties submit written arguments in court today.
