A Tribute to a Fallen Journalist’s Legacy
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has unveiled a heartfelt tribute to the late journalist Arshad Sharif, announcing the establishment of the Arshad Sharif University on October 20, 2025. The will be a pioneering institution dedicated to investigative and modern journalism, honoring Sharif’s fearless reporting that cost him his life in 2022. This initiative, aimed at empowering the merged tribal districts, promises to nurture the next generation of journalists in a region long underserved in media education.
The Arshad Sharif University announcement has stirred a mix of praise and controversy, with supporters hailing it as a noble gesture and critics questioning its timing and focus. Here’s the full story on the its vision, and the debates it has ignited.
What Led to the Arshad Sharif University Announcement?
The Arshad Sharif University was revealed during CM Sohail Afridi’s first provincial cabinet meeting on October 20, 2025, in Peshawar, where he outlined major development projects for the merged tribal districts. Afridi declared the as a center for investigative and modern journalism, to be set up in the tribal areas to honor Sharif, who was killed in Kenya on October 23, 2022, under mysterious circumstances widely believed to be linked to his critical reporting. The will include campuses across the merged regions, alongside the Tribal Medical College and Tribal University of Modern Sciences.
Afridi, a PTI leader, praised Sharif’s sacrifice for truth, stating the Arshad Sharif University would equip young journalists with skills to combat misinformation and uphold ethical reporting. The is part of a broader package, including tehsil-level playgrounds and a Safe City Project for the tribal districts, funded through provincial budgets.
Why This Matters
The Arshad Sharif University is a significant step for KP’s media landscape, where journalism faces threats from violence and censorship. Sharif, a prominent anchor known for his bold critiques of power, became a symbol of press freedom after his death. The will train students in investigative techniques, digital media, and ethics, addressing the shortage of qualified journalists in the tribal areas, where literacy rates hover at 40%.
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For PPP and PTI politics, the Arshad Sharif University is a nod to Sharif’s legacy, though it has stirred debate. The could empower marginalized voices in the merged districts, promoting a free press in a region scarred by conflict. It honors Sharif’s fight for truth, ensuring his name lives on through education.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The Arshad Sharif University announcement lit up social media on October 20, 2025. Supporters praised it, with one user posting, a fitting tribute!” Another shared, “Finally, journalism gets its due in KP!” Hashtags like #ArshadSharifUniversity trended, with images of Sharif going viral. A user wrote, honoring a hero!”
Critics, including the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ), opposed it, arguing the Arshad Sharif University should not rename the University of Peshawar’s journalism department, as announced earlier in March 2025. The buzz reflects the Arshad Sharif University‘s polarizing impact, blending admiration with calls for transparency.
Challenges Amid the Establishment
The Arshad Sharif University faces hurdles. Establishing a new university in the tribal districts requires funding, with the merged areas’ infrastructure lagging. The must navigate political sensitivities, as Sharif’s death sparked conspiracy theories and legal battles. Ensuring academic quality, with faculty and curriculum for investigative journalism
The Arshad Sharif University also risks controversy, with KhUJ demanding it honor local martyrs instead. Balancing tribute with education is crucial for the success.
A Glimmer of Tribute
The Arshad Sharif University is a beacon of remembrance. Sharif’s courage inspires, with one X post saying,his voice lives on!” The fosters hope, training journalists to fight for truth.
The Arshad Sharif University reflects Sharif’s legacy, making it a symbol of resilience and justice.
What’s Next for Arshad Sharif University?
The Arshad Sharif University will break ground in 2026, with campuses in tribal districts by 2027. The government plans Rs. 5 billion funding, with PPP and PTI collaborating. The could include scholarships for Sharif’s family and media ethics courses.
Supporters are urged to support journalism education and share Sharif’s story. The Arshad Sharif University is a chance to honor a hero. Stay tuned for updates on and its launch.
