A Pakistan Air Force officer, Group Captain Asim Tariq, embraced martyrdom after courageously stepping in to protect a woman during an alleged abduction attempt on Ninth Avenue, Islamabad. The tragic incident has drawn widespread attention, with authorities acting swiftly to arrest the suspect and begin a comprehensive investigation.
According to Islamabad Police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling through the area when he noticed a woman struggling with a man riding a motorcycle. Witnessing what appeared to be a serious situation, the officer immediately stopped his vehicle and approached to help. The frightened woman managed to move behind his vehicle while the suspect confronted the officer.
Police said the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, engaged in a heated argument before opening fire on the PAF officer. Despite efforts to save his life, Group Captain Asim Tariq later succumbed to his injuries. Officials described his actions as an extraordinary act of bravery that saved the woman from further harm.
In her statement, the woman told investigators that the suspect was her office colleague who had offered to drop her at work. However, she alleged that he suddenly changed the planned route and attempted to take her to another location against her will. When she resisted, an argument broke out, prompting Group Captain Tariq to intervene.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s martyrdom and directed the Islamabad Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed report. He instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure the suspect was arrested without delay and that justice was delivered to the bereaved family.
Providing an update, Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced that police arrested the suspect within nine hours of the shooting. He revealed that 11 investigation teams were formed immediately after the incident, leading to the successful arrest. Authorities stated that the investigation will continue to determine all aspects of the case while honouring the sacrifice of Group Captain Asim Tariq, whose courageous actions protected an innocent woman at the cost of his own life.
