While his former employers ARY News says that he died in an accident, investigations by the local police are underway.
Alongside journalists and citizens expressing shock over his reported demise, there are also claims of murder and accusations of foul play involved in the death of the journalist. Sharif had been recently more critical and vocally opposed to ongoing political developments in Pakistan.
Meher Bokhari, a TV journalist tweeted in ten early hours of Monday morning, “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.” She added, “Still can not wrap my head around it.”
Daily Jang first reported that he died in an accident but then changed it to 'murder' after Sharif's wife tweeted.
Other media sources tweeted and reported the same. The details of his death are currently unknown. However, PTI leader Shireen Mazarin claimed in a tweet that he was killed by a sniper attack.
Tributes from Sharif's colleagues and friends also poured when his death was confirmed.
Friends since 1998 when I joined Dawn Islamabad.Father of 5 school going kids,he was only male guardian of family left after Naval Commander father&Major Dr brother died on same day in 2011.Words alone cant explain grief&pain we all are suffering.
A massive blow