Anchor Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya
writing by. ILyas Gabol
Anchor Arshad Sharif was murdered in Kenya. He is survived by his wife and two teenage daughters. His death has left Pakistan with a serious media vacuum, as he was seen as a symbol of the country’s liberal and progressive traditions at a time when such values are under pressure from an increasing presence of Islamic conservatism. The murder also reflects the fragile nature of journalism in East Africa where journalists are often targeted particularly in conflict zones like Somalia and Rwanda, with little or no protection offered to them by their governments. Mr. Sharif was based at the nation’s newest, but now highly controversial private TV station, Express 24/7. Mr. Sharif came to Kenya two years ago to work for the Government-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, where he was part of a team of broadcast journalists and producers brought in by the country’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission to oversee coverage of a planned referendum on abolishing its president. It is not known why Mr. Sharif was returning to Pakistan after his three-year contract ended this month. According to Mr. Sharif’s family, he was intending to return to Kenya in the next couple of months to help open the country’s second 24-hour news channel, a move that would have effectively killed off the $200 million business of Mr. Sharif’s former employer and its majority shareholder, Mr. Kenyatta, Kenya’s president.
It is alleged that Al-Shabaab (an al-Qaeda affiliate) was behind the murder of Mr. Sharif and claims that it is known who carried out the hit on Mr. Sharif's life however no one has been arrested or even detained in connection with his murder. Kenyan police are expected to reveal more details shortly. President Kenyatta said of the murder: “It is hoped that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be identified and brought to book,” he added. “Such wanton acts will not derail our efforts to bring peace, security, and prosperity to all citizens of Kenya.” The international community got shocked by the brutal murder of Mr. Sharif and different countries offered condolences to his family. It demonstrated that Mr. Sharif was a well-reputed person in his field and had a high profile in international media circles as well. Media houses worldwide condemned the murder and demanded justice for the slain journalist.
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