“Behind Closed Doors”, the long-awaited documentary that became popular after the murder of renowned journalist Arshad Sharif, has finally been released on Apple TV. The documentary, directed by Michael Oswald and produced and written by Murtaza Mehdi, exposes the narrative of privileged elites extracting wealth from developing nations and utilizing it to acquire luxurious properties in London. It unveils a familiar tale involving the ultra-wealthy and the metaphorical “laundromat” of London, where ill-gotten gains are cleansed. Additionally, it sheds light on the complicit role played by the British government and its compliant law enforcement agencies in facilitating this process.
The documentary “Behind Closed Doors” has emerged as a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the political journey of Pakistan’s influential Sharif family. For decades, the Sharif family has held a prominent position as one of the ruling parties in Pakistan. However, their tenure has been marred by repeated allegations and exposures of corruption. The film, featuring contributions from renowned journalist Arshad Sharif and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, offers valuable insights into the family’s rise to power, alleged corruption scandals, and the subsequent consequences. “Behind Closed Doors” provides a meticulous analysis of the Sharif family’s political legacy. The documentary delves into their humble beginnings and chronicles their ascent to becoming one of Pakistan’s most influential families.
By employing interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the film presents a comprehensive and critical examination of the family’s alleged involvement in corruption scandals. Notably, it sheds light on the Panama Papers leak, which exposed offshore accounts connected to family members and following which, Nawaz Sharif went into exiled ad has remained in London ever since. Through compelling evidence and expert testimonies, the documentary urges viewers to question the ethical conduct of political leaders and the detrimental impact of corruption on governance.
“Behind Closed Doors”, endorsed by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, has garnered significant viewership and captivated audiences both within Pakistan and internationally as a legacy of Arshad Sharif. The documentary’s ability to spark intense debates and generate extensive discussions underscores the public’s thirst for transparency and accountability in the political sphere. By shedding light on the alleged misconduct of the Sharif family, the film forces viewers to confront important questions regarding the ethical conduct of political leaders and the ramifications of corruption on a nation’s governance.
Arshad Sharif, a prominent critic of the Pakistani army, met a tragic fate on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, in October 2022. The 49-year-old journalist had been residing in exile since August, haunted by the specter of imminent arrest. Multiple cases, including charges of sedition triggered by contentious remarks made on his show, which were perceived as disrespectful to the military, had compelled him to seek sanctuary abroad. Initial reports emanating from the Nairobi police insinuated that Sharif’s untimely demise was a lamentable consequence of mistaken identity, an ill-fated convergence during an operation aimed at locating a vehicle linked to a child abduction. However, a team of Pakistani investigators, dispatched to Kenya in December 2022, concluded that the journalist’s assassination was no act of chance, but a meticulously orchestrated plot. The voluminous 592-page report underscored the inconsistent accounts proffered by the Kenyan law enforcement authorities, casting doubt upon the veracity of their initial claims.
Throughout the course of the inquiry, the Pakistani delegation engaged with Nairobi police and the Ahmed brothers, Khurram and Waqar, who had provided refuge to Sharif. The brothers vehemently disavowed any involvement in the heinous crime, yet the report remained inconclusive regarding the potential suspiciousness of Khurram’s testimony. While refraining from unequivocal accusations, the report intimated that the Kenyan police may have been unwitting pawns, manipulated by external forces for personal gain or other inducements. The intricate web of potential complicity implicated actors in Kenya, Dubai, or Pakistan, although no specific names were disclosed.
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The investigation disclosed that Sharif had fallen victim to a fatal bullet, discharged either from within a vehicle or fired at close proximity. Nevertheless, the report failed to furnish additional elucidation or substantiation pertaining to the details of the murder. Prompted by the gravity of the circumstances, Pakistan’s federal government established a joint investigation team (JIT) to plumb the depths of Arshad Sharif’s assassination. Led by the Islamabad Police Deputy Inspector General and composed of officials from the Federal Investigation Agency, the Intelligence Bureau, Military Intelligence, and Inter-Services Intelligence—the country’s most formidable military intelligence organization—the JIT embarked on an arduous quest for truth. Chief Judge Umar Ata Bandial of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, cognizant of the case’s significance, personally intervened, assembling a panel of five esteemed judges to oversee the investigation. As the probe progressed, the Supreme Court beseeched the foreign ministry to enlist the aid of the United Nations. However, the JIT encountered impediments when Kenyan authorities obstructed their access to vital information and the crime scene. Complicating matters further, Sharif’s personal belongings, including his iPad and phone, remained in Kenyan custody, hampering the pursuit of justice.
In a recent twist, Arshad Sharif’s mother implored the Supreme Court to direct the JIT’s attention toward PTI Chairman Imran Khan, along with PTI leaders Faisal Vawda and Murad Saeed. Additionally, she sought the inclusion of journalist Imran Riaz Khan, whose whereabouts currently remain unknown, and ARY Chief Executive Officer Salman Iqbal, in the ongoing investigation. As the intricate tapestry surrounding Arshad Sharif’s assassination continues to unravel, numerous enigmas persist, awaiting resolution. The relentless pursuit of justice and truth remains an unequivocal imperative, and the international community anxiously anticipates further breakthroughs that will unveil the malevolent perpetrators lurking in the shadows.