‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

The killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif late Sunday night has sent shockwaves across the country. Kenyan authorities have confirmed that the renowned television anchor was killed by local police, in what they have said was a case of mistaken identity.

According to reports, the journalist left Pakistan in August for Dubai. It is unclear when did he go to Kenya.

Following the tragic news, politicians, journalists extended condolences and expressed shock at the sudden demise of the leading newsman.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a tweet, “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.”

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

President Dr Arif Alvi termed Arshad’s death as “A great loss to journalism and Pakistan”. In a tweet, he extended his condolences on the journalist’s death.

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

Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, too turned to Twitter to express his shock, stating that that today the entire nation mourns Arshad Sharif’s death. He said, “Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful.”

Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful. Today the entire nation mourns his death.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 24, 2022

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo spoke to the media in London. About Arshad’s death, he said, “I am really saddened by the news”.

قائد مسلم لیگ ن محمد نوازشریف کا صحافی ارشد شریف کی وفات پر گہرے دُکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار pic.twitter.com/Wr3RjhLHia

— PMLN (@pmln_org) October 24, 2022

Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and extended his deepest condolences to “his family and loved ones”.

Strongly condemn the killing of journalist @arsched in Kenya. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones who are in my thoughts and prayers, while they grapple with this sudden loss. https://t.co/YT6F0ZaU5m

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 24, 2022

Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari shared a Quranic verse through her Twitter account.

No words right now. Arshad Sharif the truth cost you your life. pic.twitter.com/XiIqiiqRjk

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) October 23, 2022

More politicians and senior journalists including Arshad’s colleagues expressed their shock on Twitter when the news broke out in the early hours of Monday.

Shocked to hear of Arschad Sharif’s murder in Nairobi. My heartfelt condolences to his family. This must be investigated. https://t.co/npRgV1IhQo

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) October 24, 2022

Unbelievable. May Allah rest the soul of Arshad Sharif in peace. Ameen. https://t.co/l6ELwdCCYK

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) October 24, 2022

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

For once I can't find words to explain the pain, anguish and shock that I'm in since hearing the news of Arshad's death

— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) 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.

Still can not wrap my head around it

— Meher Bokhari (@meherbokhari) October 23, 2022

اناللہ واناالیہ راجعون
I am in loss of words after hearing about tragic death of prominent anchor Arshad sharif in Kenya.
He was a thorough gentleman and very humble person.
Can not imagine what his family must be going through. pic.twitter.com/rzZtIT7HLV

— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) October 24, 2022

The news of colleague and old friend Arshad Sharif's death is shocking and deeply distressing. Condolences to his family and duaas for his maghfirat. May Allah SWT grant him the highest abode in Jannat.

— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) October 24, 2022