Alvi says he warned PM Shehbaz about threats to Arshad Sharif before his exile

Former president Dr Arif Alvi took to X on Wednesday to share a "heartbreaking memory" about slain journalist Arshad Sharif, who was shot dead in Kenya on October 23, 2022.

In his post on the social media site, he wrote: "Just before he was forced into exile, Arshad Sharif wrote to me about serious danger to his life. I warned PM Shahbaz Sharif in a strongly worded letter about these threats and reminded him of his constitutional responsibility to protect Arshad's life."

Sharing a copy of the letter, Alvi said, "Arshad Sharif, ever my dear friend was pleased and responded to me with these kind words "Sir! as a citizen I am proud of you that you are my President. Thank You"

Heart breaking memory:

Just before he was forced into exile, Arshad Sharif wrote to me about serious danger to his life. I warned PM Shahbaz Sharif in a strongly worded letter about these threats and reminded him of his constitutional responsibility to protect Arshad's life👇… pic.twitter.com/mWnP0hx3tB

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) October 22, 2025

"Who knew then that this hero of ours would make us all proud, while the killers would forever hang their head in shame," he added.

In the letter, the then president said that, "In continuation of my earlier letter of even number dated 7th July, 2022 on the issue of 'Incidents of Violence Against Journalists and Media Persons', a letter received from anchorperson Mr. Arshad Sharif, is being forward for your kind attention. He has quoted few eminent journalists and information gathered through different sources and has alleged that unscrupulous elements are threatening to endanger his life."

He, therefore, had urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to "direct the concerned Ministries and Departments to take remedial measures and preemptive actions, especially with reference to enclosed letter, and other similar complaints in order to alleviate apprehensions and grievances of journalists and media persons."