ISLAMABAD – A murder case along provisions of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) has been registered at Margalla Police Station after shocking killing of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was allegedly shot dead after stepping in to stop the harassment of a young woman in the federal capital.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), lodged on the complaint of the Commandant, Air Headquarters, Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling on official duty from Air Headquarters at around 11:30am on Saturday when he reached 9th Avenue near the old Traffic Office in Sector F-8.
The FIR said the officer noticed a man, believed to be around 20 to 22 years old, allegedly harassing and assaulting a young woman on the roadside. Identifying himself as a Pakistan Air Force officer, Group Captain Asim Tariq reportedly ordered the suspect to stop the alleged assault and refrain from the unlawful act.
Police said the suspect initially fled on his motorcycle while issuing threats. However, moments later, he allegedly made a U-turn, returned to the officer’s vehicle, pulled out a pistol, loaded it, and opened fire from the driver’s side with the intention of killing him.
The bullet struck Group Captain Asim Tariq through the right shoulder before lodging in his chest, causing fatal injuries. He embraced martyrdom at the scene before medical assistance could arrive.
The FIR names Muhammad Kamran and Waseem Abbas as eyewitnesses, stating that both witnessed the shooting and can identify the accused during legal proceedings.
Police further alleged that the suspect fled the scene while firing into the air, spreading panic among the public. Investigators have invoked Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, maintaining that the attack targeted a serving PAF officer on official duty near Air Headquarters Islamabad and in the vicinity of PAF Base Nur Khan, creating fear and terror in a public place.
A police team reached the crime scene and found Group Captain Asim Tariq inside his official vehicle bearing registration number 384-AVK. After completing legal formalities and documenting the scene, the body was shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a post-mortem examination under police security.
FIR was submitted by Wing Commander Imran Khurram Nawaz, Officer Commanding No. 8 S&P, Air Headquarters. It was formally registered at 1:35pm on July 5, after which the investigation was handed over to Inspector Akhtar Hussain of the Investigation Wing.
Meanwhile, police have arrested the prime suspect, Saad, and produced him before a court as the investigation into the high-profile killing continues.
