After the tragic murder of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif at the hands of Kenyan police on 23rd October, it was uncovered that Sharif had spent some time in Dubai prior to his ill-fated trip to Kenya. It emerged that the Pakistani government had sent a letter to the UAE authorities requesting the deportation of Sharif, who had been targeted for his vocal criticism of the Federal Government of Pakistan. Sharif was subsequently warned by the UAE government that he had to leave the country or face arrest and deportation back to Pakistan, where he would be subjected to legal action.
According to a tweet by Pakistan Affairs, an official from the UAE government disclosed that the letter from the Pakistani government seeking Sharif’s deportation bore the signature of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. With no other immediate option available to him, Sharif opted to travel to Kenya, which granted visas to Pakistani passport holders upon arrival.
This series of events highlights the difficulties faced by journalists in Pakistan who speak out against the government. The tragic murder of Arshad Sharif serves as a reminder of the risks that journalists and media professionals take to keep the public informed, and underscores the need for greater protection for those who pursue the truth in dangerous environments. Furthermore, it raises concerns about the role of government officials in targeting journalists and suppressing free speech, which are fundamental rights enshrined in international law.