Arshad Sharif widow Javeria Siddique expresses lack of trust in JIT

The widow of slain Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, Javeria Siddique expressed a lack of trust in the special joint investigation team (JIT) formed on the direction of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to probe the high-profile murder case.

According to the media reports, the widow of slain Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, Javeria Siddique requested the Supreme Court that the JIT members are the officials working under the accused and the retired army officials such as AD Khawaja and General (retd) Tariq Khan should be included in the JIT.

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However, the apex court set aside the reservations expressed by the family. The court said that only serving officials will be a part of the JIT. A five-member larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, issued the directive during the hearing of a suo motu notice in the high-profile murder case.

The Chief Justice has asked her to have trust in the investigation panel and said that the subordinate officials can also do wonders. He said that the court has the progress report on the probe but it cannot be discussed publicly. Serious facts have been revealed in the investigations held in Pakistan, he added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court took note of the delay on part of the government in writing a letter to the Kenyan government for mutual assistance in Arshad Sharif’s murder probe. The court also directed the JIT to approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the inclusion of the United Nations in the probe.

CJP Umar Ata Bandial said that Arshad Sharif’s death isn’t just a matter of human rights but a gruesome murder.