Senior journalist Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya, confirms wife

Senior journalist Arshad Sharif died in Kenya’s Nairobi city after reportedly being shot, confirmed his wife Javeria Siddique early Monday. Taking to her official Twitter handle, Siddique said “I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist Arshad today, as per police he was shot in Kenya. Briefing the media on the development, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Pakistan’s ambassador to Kenya, Syeda Saqlain, Kenyan police officials and doctors are currently at the mortuary in Nairobi where the ambassador has identified Sharif’s body. The minister also said that after identification, the process to repatriate the deceased has been initiated. She also added that Kenyan authorities have been requested to complete the regulatory process as soon as possible. In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing deep sorrow over the “untimely death” of Arshad Sharif in Kenya also confirmed that the body had been identified by Pakistan’s high commissioner in the country. The statement read: “Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Kenya received initial information about the death of Arshad Sharif early in the morning of October 24.” It maintained that the high commissioner accordingly contacted the police authorities and senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments. The office of the Vice President was also contacted for confirmation. “Pakistanis of Kenyan origin were also mobilised. The mission was informed that the body was in Chiromo Funeral House in Nairobi,” it added. The FO assured “all possible assistance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” to Sharif’s family and stated that further procedures, including a police report, are awaited. The 49-year-old had worked in various newsrooms in the country and was awarded the Pride of Performance by President Arif Alvi in March 2019.  It may also be noted that Sharif was associated with a private news channel in Karachi until recently when he resigned and moved to Dubai. He leaves behind a wife and five children. Source:tribune.com.pk/