ISLAMABAD: The federal government is reported to have denied to release funds for a special joint investigation team (SJIT) which was constituted to probe into the assassination of prominent journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya. In the meantime, the Kenyan Embassy in Islamabad too has reportedly turned down the request by SJIT to arrange meetings with police officers linked to the case.
Also read: Who was journalist Arshad Sharif and why was he killed in Kenya?
According to a report published today, the special joint investigation team (SJIT) requested the interior ministry to release Rs10 million — to cover travel and accommodation costs — for its visit to Dubai and Kenya — the destinations Mr Sharif traveled to before his killing — but the request was turned down.
Also read: Pakistan’s prominent journo, anchorperson Arshad Sharif assassinated in Kenya
The report said rejecting the request of SJIT, the federal interior ministry cited a “blanket ban” on government officials’ foreign trips.
On the other hand, the Kenyan Embassy has turned down the investigators’ request to arrange meetings with police officers linked to the case.
The SJIT had planned to visit Kenya during the first week of January and had approached the embassy through the Foreign Officer for visas and meetings, as per the sources.
Also read: ‘Arshad Sharif was forced to leave UAE’: Fact-finding committee
However, the embassy turned down the request stating that the officers related to the case are on New Year’s holidays and likely to return to duty after January 15.
Also read: ‘Arshad Sharif was killed in well-planned murder conspiracy’: Kenya Human Rights Commission
After January 15, the SJIT will make a fresh request through the FO for visas and meetings, the sources said.
