In shocking news, one of Pakistan’s leading journalists, Arshad Sharif, was shot dead in Kenya’s Nairobi city. His wife Javeria Siddique confirmed the news early Monday.
Some earlier reports had indicated that Arshad Sharif had died in an accident. However, his wife took to Twitter to confirm that he was shot. She also requested the media and the general public to respect the privacy of the family.
“I lost a friend, husband, and my favorite journalist Arshad today, as per police he was shot in Kenya. Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking please don’t share our family pictures, personal details, and his last pictures from the hospital. Remember us in your prayers,” Javeria Siddique, the wife of the late Arshad Sharif, tweeted.
I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist @arsched today, as per police he was shot in Kenya.
Respect our privacy and in the name of breaking pls don't share our family pics, personal details and his last pictures from hospital.
Remember us in ur prayers. pic.twitter.com/wP1BJxqP5e— Javeria Siddique (@javerias) October 24, 2022
Authorities in both Pakistan and Kenya are yet to reveal the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s death. Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan’s High Commission in Kenya was ascertaining information from the authorities. Moreover, police in Kenya have opened an investigation into the gun attack that killed Sharif.
Arshad Sharif had left Pakistan earlier this year after sedition cases were registered against him in different cities.
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Nation in shock over death of Arshad Sharif
Condolences are pouring in from colleagues and politicians on the journalist’s death. The civic society in Pakistan has also expressed shock over the death.
President Dr. Arif Alvi termed Arshad Sharif’s death a loss for journalism and Pakistan. “May his soul rest in peace and may his family, which includes his followers, have the strength to bear this loss,” Alvi said.
Arshad Sharif’s death Is a great loss to journalism and Pakistan.
May his soul rest in peace and may his family, which includes his followers, have the strength to bear this loss
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وانا الیہ راجعون— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) October 24, 2022
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened. He offered condolences and prayers for the journalist’s family.
I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif's tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 24, 2022
“Arshad Sharif, not just a colleague, a brother, is no more. From Islamabad to Moscow, from Dunya News to ARY, I’ve not known a finer gentleman. Shot dead. Too young. Too brutally,” Hum News anchorperson Meher Bokhari tweeted.
Arshad Sharif, not just a colleague, a brother, is no more. From Islamabad to Moscow, from Dunya News to ARY, I’ve not known a finer gentleman.
Shot dead. Too young. Too brutally.Still can not wrap my head around it
— Meher Bokhari (@meherbokhari) October 23, 2022
“My brother, my friend, my colleague Arshad Shareef was shot dead in Kenya … I still can’t believe it. It’s beyond heartbreaking. This is just wrong … this is painful … I love u brother,” ARY News anchorperson Kashif Abbasi tweeted.
My brother,my friend my colleague arshad shareef was shot dead in Kenya..I still can’t believe it. It’s beyond heart breaking.this is just wrong.. this is painful.. I love u brother
— Kashif Abbasi (@Kashifabbasiary) October 23, 2022
PTI Secretary General Asad Umar and Senator Azam Swati also said they were shocked and devastated by the news of Sharif’s death.
Absolutely shocked to hear of Arshad sharif's death. Allah Jannat naseeb karay.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) October 24, 2022
اِنّا لِلّٰهِ وَاِنّا اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْن
Extremely sad to hear the devastating news about Arshad Sharif. May his soul rest in peace.. Thoughts and prayers with his family.— Senator Azam Khan Swati (@AzamKhanSwatiPk) October 24, 2022
A seasoned journalist, Arshad Sharif was one of Pakistan’s top news anchors. 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. He leaves behind a wife and five children.
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