Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the killing of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq in Islamabad. The prime minister called for the suspect to be punished according to the law.
Incident Details
Islamabad Police reported that on Sunday, Tariq left his office and noticed a man arguing with a woman on 9th Avenue, a busy road near government offices and PAF headquarters. He intervened, and the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, shot the officer before fleeing. Tariq later died from his injuries.
Prime Minister's Response
“The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to conduct a complete and transparent investigation into the incident,” a statement from Sharif’s office said. “And ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and punished in accordance with the law.” Sharif expressed deep grief, stating that Tariq set an unparalleled example of courage and devotion to duty by protecting a woman’s honor. “The entire nation stands with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” Sharif was quoted as saying.
Police Investigation
Islamabad Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi said Abbasi was trying to forcefully take the woman with him. The woman resisted, hitting him repeatedly, prompting Tariq to intervene. The suspect and woman worked together at a departmental store, and he had offered her a ride. When he attempted to take her elsewhere, she resisted, leading to the altercation. Islamabad Police formed eleven teams to track down the suspect, including digital surveillance, cellular technology, private camera, and Safe City camera teams. One suspect has been arrested.
