Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar sought on Tuesday facilitation from Kenyan President William Ruto over the finalisation of the investigation into the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.

“The prime minister requested the Kenyan president for facilitation and finalisation of the report of special joint investigation team in the murder case of late Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif,” the PM Office quoted him saying in a statement following the meeting of the two leaders.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation being held in Beijing, China.

Journalist and news anchor Arshad Sharif was shot dead last year on October 23 during his stay in an East African country. Last month, a district and sessions court in Islamabad issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Somia Arshad, wife of journalist Arshad Sharif, for failing to appear before the court.

PM Kakar and the Kenyan president discussed bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in areas of trade, investment, education, and people-to-people contacts.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of economic cooperation and agreed to enhance engagement to realise the true potential of bilateral trade.

As a fellow member of the Belt and Road Initiative, Kakar said that Pakistan would like to enhance collaboration with other BRI member countries including Kenya to identify and develop new projects and initiatives.

“This commitment underscores Pakistan’s dedication to furthering development and shared prosperity through increased cooperation and partnerships,” he said.

President William Ruto echoed the sentiments and expressed his country’s interest in learning from Pakistan’s expertise in sectors like agriculture and healthcare.

“Kenya is open for business and partnerships that will benefit the people,” Ruto said in a post on X, adding that the African nation welcomed the expression of interest by the Government of Pakistan to enhance trade relations with a focus on pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.

“We also look forward to strengthening our cultural relations.”

Kakar extended an invitation to the Kenyan president to visit Pakistan at an early date, which was accepted by him. He also invited the PM to visit Kenya at his earliest convenience. It was agreed that the visits would be finalised through diplomatic channels.