ISLAMABAD – A solemn memorial reference was held at the National Press Club Islamabad to mark the third martyrdom anniversary of renowned investigative journalist Arshad Sharif Shaheed, attended by a large number of journalists, political figures, and civil society representatives. The event was organized by Javeria Siddique, wife of the martyred journalist.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Inam Goraya, while Razi Tahir and Masood Chaudhary conducted the proceedings. Speakers included Hamid Mir, Matiullah Jan, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad, Azhar Jatoi, Tariq Usmani, Tariq Warraich, Afzal Butt, Nayar Ali, Shakeel Ahmad, Bina Faraz Advocate, Dr. Sadia Kamal, Siddiq Anzar, Farhat Fatima, Shakeel Qarar, Jamshed Hussain, Akhunzada Hussain, and several others.
From abroad, senior journalists Abdul Shakoor from Turkey and Bilal Al-Astal from Palestine also attended, along with Mona Khan, Sadia Mazhar, Zaheer Alam, Shafee Mughal, Mudasir Kayani, Mujtaba Rizwan Syed, Salman Durrani, Muhammad Alaykad, Shehzad Gilani, Imran Chaudhary, Nawaz Sooki, Agha Mazahir Shigri, Rana Tariq, Tariq Shah, Sardar Tayyab, Muhammad Aalijah, Huzaifa Shahsawar, Abbas Shah, Malik Rashid, Amir Niazi, Mahmood Khan, Ali Sher, Sudheer Kayani, Nauman Haider, Hafeez Darvesh, Yasir Zuberi, Sehrish Qureshi, Adil Abbasi, Gohar Sial, Ejaz Saghar, and Farrukh Nawaz Bhatti, among many other journalists.
In her address, Javeria Siddique said, “Arshad Sharif sacrificed his life in the pursuit of truth. His struggle is a beacon for every journalist. We will not remain silent until justice is served.” She demanded that those responsible for his killing in Kenya be arrested and brought to justice.
Hamid Mir stated, “Those who martyred Arshad Sharif in Kenya are still so powerful that the case has not been allowed to progress. This case should be reopened at the international level.” Matiullah Jan said, “Arshad Sharif was a symbol of truth and courage — his blood will not go in vain.” Mahmood Khan Achakzai emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the protection of journalists who speak the truth. Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri proposed that “this memorial should be held every year and a special ‘Arshad Sharif Shaheed Award’ be established to honor brave journalists.”
Journalist leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle for justice for Arshad Sharif until his killers are brought before the law. The event concluded with the lighting of candles and prayers for the elevation of the martyr’s soul.
Arshad Sharif, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kenya on October 23, 2022, was among Pakistan’s most fearless journalists, known for redefining the landscape of investigative journalism. Commemorative gatherings and prayers were held across the country to mark his martyrdom anniversary.
