A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain was shot dead near Shaheen Chowk, in the jurisdiction of Margalla Police Station, while trying to protect a woman from an abduction attempt.
Additional SHO Siddiq and Duty Officer Naveed of Margalla Police arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, collected evidence, and launched an investigation.
According to initial findings, Group Captain Asim Tariq was passing through the area when he noticed a man dragging a woman who was standing beside a motorcycle. Responding to the apparent distress, he turned his vehicle around and stopped nearby. The woman then ran behind his vehicle, apparently seeking safety.
Police said the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, engaged in a verbal confrontation with the officer before opening fire. Group Captain Asim sustained critical gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries. His body was shifted to the Pakistan Air Force Hospital Unit II.
The suspect fled the scene. Police said he is a resident of Khanna, and teams have been dispatched to locate and arrest him.
The woman, identified as Nimra, works as a sales assistant at a Cash and Carry in Islamabad’s G-6 sector. During the investigation, she told police that the suspect was her colleague and had offered to drop her off at home. She alleged that instead of following the agreed route, he attempted to take her to another location. When she objected, an argument broke out.
According to her statement, Group Captain Asim stepped in at a crucial moment and prevented the suspect from taking her away.
Group Captain Asim is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. His actions have drawn widespread admiration, with many people on social media paying tribute to his courage and describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life while trying to protect a woman in distress.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended his condolences to the family of the martyred PAF officer and sought a detailed report on the incident from the Islamabad Inspector General of Police.
He directed the Police to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspect, stressing that every possible effort must be made to provide justice to the family of the martyred officer.
