ISLAMABAD (Lord Media): A serving Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer was shot dead after reportedly intervening to stop what appeared to be an attempted abduction of a young woman in Islamabad on Saturday, police said.
The victim, Group Captain Asim Tariq, was fatally shot near Shaheen Chowk, opposite Air University and Bahria University, within the jurisdiction of Margalla Police Station.
According to preliminary police findings, Group Captain Asim Tariq noticed a man allegedly trying to force a young woman into a vehicle and stepped in to prevent the incident. During the confrontation, one of the suspects allegedly drew a pistol and opened fire, critically wounding the officer before fleeing the scene with his accomplices in a vehicle.
Rescue teams rushed to the site, but the officer succumbed to his injuries. His body was shifted to PAF Hospital Unit-II for medico-legal formalities.
Police teams, including officers from Margalla Police Station, cordoned off the area and launched a high-profile investigation. Investigators collected forensic evidence from the crime scene and are examining CCTV footage and recording eyewitness statements to identify the attackers and determine the exact sequence of events.
A woman identified as Nimra, who was present during the incident, has been taken into protective custody for questioning as part of the investigation.
Islamabad Police have also launched a citywide search operation to trace the suspects, who escaped immediately after the shooting.
Police said initial findings suggest the officer was attempting to stop what appeared to be an abduction. However, investigators have not yet officially confirmed the motive behind the attack, saying all aspects of the case remain under investigation.
The killing of a serving PAF officer in broad daylight in the federal capital has sparked widespread grief and concern, with many people on social media paying tribute to Group Captain Asim Tariq for sacrificing his life while attempting to protect a stranger. LORD
