Police have arrested the alleged killer of Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred while trying to save a woman in Islamabad, according to police sources.
The suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, was arrested in the jurisdiction of Khanna Police Station during a police operation, the sources said. Authorities have not yet released further details about the investigation or the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Group Captain Asim was martyred while saving a woman in Islamabad on Sunday.
According to reports, Asim was passing through Ninth Avenue when he saw a woman alighting from a motorcycle. As soon as she got off the bike, the motorcyclist grabbed her by her arm and started pulling her.
Being a responsible citizen, the late group captain stopped his car close to the motorcyclist, Saad, and asked him to behave. Soon Saad started calling Asim names and later shot at him, leaving him in a pool of blood. Later, Asim succumbed to his injuries.
Quoting the woman, the police said that Saad was her colleague who offered her a ride to the office. “But instead of taking me to the office, he diverted his motorbike towards another route which made me feel suspicious,” the woman said, adding, “And when he held me by my arm, I resisted.”
She said that Asim intervened and laid down his life while trying to save her.
The late group captain has left behind a widow, a son and a daughter. The entire country is all praise for the martyred Pakistan Air Force officer.
According to reports, accused Saad is a resident of Dhaka Khanna Pul and the woman is a resident of Ghauri Town. Both used to work in the same cash and carry shop. They often used to come and go together on a motorcycle.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offers condolences
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed grief and shock over the passing of the group captain and offered his condolences to the bereaved family. He has also sought a report from the Islamabad IGP on the incident.
Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Group Captain Asim and paid tribute to his bravery.
In her condolence message, Maryam said she was saddened by the loss of the Pakistan Air Force officer, who sacrificed his life while attempting to protect a woman. She also extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of the martyred officer, praying for strength and patience for his loved ones during this difficult time.
Reporters: Ahmad Mansoor and Awais Kiani