Mother of murdered journalist Arshad Alvi, Riffat Alvi, passes away

Riffat Ara Alvi, the mother of slain journalist Arshad Sharif, has died, her family confirmed on Sunday. Riffat Alvi passed away just three days after the third anniversary of her son Arshad Sharif’s death.

Arshad Sharif, a prominent journalist awarded the Pride of Performance in 2023 by then-President Arif Alvi, was shot dead in Kenya on October 23, 2022. Politicians and media organisations called for an investigation into his killing, but the Supreme Court and media have criticised the lack of progress in the case.

“Arshad Sharif’s mother, who was demanding justice for her son, has passed away,” his wife, Javeria Siddique, wrote on X today.

Riffat Alvi has passed away just three days after her son, Arshad Alvi’s, third death anniversary.

Read: Journalist Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya

Condolences extended

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed his condolences over her passing. Afridi described Riffat Ara Alvi as a brave and remarkable mother who raised a son committed to truth. He said Arshad Sharif was a courageous and principled journalist and a source of pride for the nation.

The chief minister offered prayers for the late mother and for patience for her family. He added that Arshad Sharif’s sacrifice would be recorded in golden letters in the history of journalism, and the nation would always remember both him and his distinguished mother.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his sorrow over Alvi’s death.

“I am saddened by the passing of Arshad Sharif’s mother and pray for the forgiveness of the deceased,” Bilawal said, according to a post on the PPP’s X account.