PM seeks Kenyan president’s help in concluding Arshad Sharif murder probe

BEIJING: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday reached out to Kenyan President Dr William Ruto for support in concluding the investigation into the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.

Arshad Sharif, a senior journalist and news anchor, met a tragic death on October 23, 2022 during his stay in Kenya.

During a meeting held on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, hosted in Beijing, the caretaker prime minister conveyed his request to President Ruto.

The PM Office, in an official statement, shared that “The caretaker prime minister requested the Kenyan president for facilitation and finalisation of the report of the Special Joint Investigation Team in the murder case of the late Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.”

Arshad Sharif Case: Court halts proceedings due to absence of witnesses

In addition to discussing the investigation, the leaders engaged in dialogue regarding their countries’ bilateral cooperation across various sectors. They reemphasized their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade, investment, education, and people-to-people contacts.

Both heads of state underscored the significance of economic cooperation and expressed their intention to increase collaboration to realize the full potential of bilateral trade.

PM Kakar emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to fostering development and shared prosperity, noting that as a fellow member of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan is eager to strengthen ties with other BRI member nations, including Kenya, for the identification and development of new projects and initiatives.

“This commitment highlights Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to promoting development and shared prosperity through increased cooperation and partnerships,” the Prime Minister stated.

President Dr Ruto echoed these sentiments and expressed his country’s keen interest in learning from Pakistan’s expertise in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.

PM Kakar extended an invitation to President Ruto to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, an offer that was warmly accepted.

Furthermore, he invited the Kenyan Prime Minister to visit Pakistan, and it was agreed that the specifics of these visits would be worked out through diplomatic channels.