Arshad Sharif widow reports escalating harassment in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD — Javeria Siddique, the widow of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, said harassment and intimidation against her have intensified in recent days, raising fresh concerns about her safety as she continues to seek justice for her husband’s killing in Kenya in 2022.

In a post on X, Siddique said unknown individuals have been visiting her home in Islamabad, repeatedly ringing the doorbell and calling out her name. She also reported that suspicious men have been asking about her on her street and inquiring about her movements, actions she described as deeply distressing.

Escalating intimidation and safety concerns
Siddique said the incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, leaving her feeling unsafe in her own home. She framed the harassment as part of a broader pattern of pressure she says she has faced since Sharif was shot dead in Kenya, an incident that drew international attention and condemnation.

She also pointed to online abuse, alleging a coordinated social media campaign aimed at character assassination and spreading false accusations against her. Siddique said the digital attacks have accompanied the physical intimidation, compounding the stress she faces while pursuing accountability.

Slow investigation and court findings
Siddique highlighted the lack of progress in the investigation into Sharif’s killing, noting that no arrests have been made. She referenced findings by a Pakistani fact-finding team that concluded the murder was pre-planned, as well as a ruling by the Kenyan High Court that declared the killing unlawful.

These findings, she said, have not translated into tangible accountability, prolonging uncertainty for Sharif’s family and supporters. Siddique reiterated her demand for a credible investigation and meaningful legal action, stressing that justice remains elusive more than three years after the killing.

Broader implications for press freedom
Press freedom advocates have repeatedly cited Sharif’s case as emblematic of the risks faced by journalists and their families, particularly when investigations stall or accountability is delayed. While Siddique’s statements reflect her personal experience, the case continues to resonate within wider debates about journalist safety and impunity.

Siddique said her primary demand remains simple: justice for Arshad Sharif and the ability to live without fear. “It’s terrifying,” she wrote, adding that she wants to feel safe in her own home in Islamabad.
Source : JP