Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq was martyred in a tragic firing incident on Sunday when he tried to save a woman from an alleged abduction within the limits of Margalla Police Station in Islamabad. The incident occurred in front of Air University and Bahria University at Shaheen Chowk.
Details of the Incident
According to police sources, Group Captain Asim was passing through 9th Avenue when he saw a woman get off a motorcycle while the motorcyclist was pulling her hand. The PAF officer turned back and stopped near the motorcycle, upon which the girl ran to the other side of the vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Saad Abbasi, started verbally abusing Group Captain Asim and opened fire on him within moments. Group Captain Asim died on the spot, while the suspect fled the scene.
Woman's Account
The woman told police that the suspect was her office colleague who had offered to take her to work. “He wanted to take me somewhere else by changing the route, which led to him using force against me,” she said. She added that Group Captain Asim saved her by intervening timely.
Arrest of Suspect
Islamabad Police arrested the primary suspect, Saad Abbasi, within just 9 hours of the incident. Addressing a press conference, IG Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi stated that the case was extremely important and challenging because the martyrdom of a serving Group Captain in public firing was a matter of grave concern. He revealed that at 11:21 AM, the suspect opened fire and martyred Group Captain Asim, who embraced martyrdom while protecting the life and honour of an innocent woman.
Background of Suspect
The arrested suspect, aged 20, is a matriculate and a resident of Band Khanna Road. He worked as a salesman at an electronics shop. He wanted to forcibly take the girl with him, leading to a scuffle. The Group Captain intervened, enraging the suspect, who opened fire and fled.
Family and Legal Proceedings
Group Captain Asim left behind a widow, a daughter, and a son. Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway, and all legal requirements will be fulfilled to ensure the suspect receives strict punishment according to the law.
