Arshad Sharif

Renowned Pakistani journalist, anchorperson Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya, his wife Javeria Siddique confirmed early on Monday morning.

Arshad Sharif was a frequent critic of the powerful military establishment and supporter of former prime minister Imran Khan, who was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April.

In August Sharif interviewed senior opposition politician Shahbaz Gill, who said that junior officers in the armed forces should not follow orders that went against "the will of the majority".

The comment led to the news channel being briefly taken off air and an arrest warrant being issued for Sharif, who left the country.

Gill was detained following the interview -- and Khan's criticism of the judiciary for the detention led to his own court appearances.

According to media reports the local police of Kenya started the investigation into the matter, sources added. Sharif was previously associated Pakistan TV Channel ARY news.

Authorities in both countries are yet to confirm the journalist’s death and the circumstances surrounding it. Some Pakistani media outlets had initially stated that Sharif was shot dead but later said he died in an accident.

Arshad Sharif’s wife later tweeted that the journalist was shot dead in Kenya.

“I lost friend, husband and my favourite journalist [Arshad Sharif] today, as per police he was shot in Kenya,” she tweeted.

President Dr Arif Alvi termed Sharif’s death a loss for journalism and Pakistan. “May his soul rest in peace and may his family, which includes his followers, have the strength to bear this loss,” Alvi said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened. He offered condolences and prayers for the journalist’s family.

Pakistan has been ruled by the military for several decades of its 75-year history and criticism of the security establishment has long been seen as a red line.

"ARY anchorperson Arshad Sharif embraced martyrdom after he was shot dead in Kenya... the local police is investigating," ARY TV tweeted Monday.

Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed the incident.

Pakistan is ranked 157 out of 180 countries in a press freedom index compiled by Reporters without Borders, with journalists facing censorship and intimidation.