An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday remanded Saad Abbasi to a 14-day judicial lock-up to facilitate an identification parade in the murder case of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq.
The case was heard by ATC Judge Abual Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain in connection with the FIR registered by Islamabad Police against the suspect.
According to police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was fatally shot on 9th Avenue after intervening when he noticed a woman apparently being pulled by a motorcyclist in what appeared to be an attempted abduction.
Police said the PAF officer stopped his vehicle after seeing the woman get off the motorcycle while the rider was holding her by the hand. The woman then moved behind the officer’s vehicle for safety. An argument broke out between the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, and the officer before the suspect allegedly opened fire and fled the scene. The injured officer later succumbed to his wounds.
During Monday’s hearing, the investigating officer requested the court to send the suspect for an identification parade, stating that the process was essential for the investigation.
Prosecutor Raja Naveed informed the court that two eyewitnesses would also take part in the identification process.
Judge Zulqarnain questioned the suspect about the incident, asking why he had allegedly committed the crime. In response, Abbasi claimed he was with a woman when another man approached and began interfering with them.
The judge rejected the explanation, remarking that such conduct could not justify the incident.
After hearing the arguments, the court ordered the suspect to remain in judicial custody for 14 days to complete the identification parade and directed authorities to produce him before the court again on July 20.
Islamabad Police Arrest PAF Officer’s Alleged Killer Within Hours
