Prime Minister Shehbaz directs the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice
A combination photo of President Asif Ali Zardari (L) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R). Photo: File
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep grief over the death of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was shot dead after intervening to protect a woman in Islamabad.
In separate statements, the Prime Minister and the President praised the officer’s courage and sacrifice, describing his actions as an exemplary display of bravery, devotion to duty and public service.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Group Captain Asim Tariq gave his life while protecting the life and honor of a woman, setting “a unique example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty.” He said the nation would always remember and honor the sacrifices of such brave sons.
He also condoled with the captain’s family and said the entire nation was with them in their grief. Prime Minister Shehbaz also prayed for the deceased’s elevated status in the afterlife and directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice in accordance with the law.
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President Zardari also expressed deep grief over the death of the officer and condoled his family in a statement on X. He said that sacrificing his life to protect an innocent woman reflected the highest human values and was a shining example of service to the nation.
The President also described the incident on one of Islamabad’s main thoroughfares as a serious concern and stressed the need to ensure that such crimes are prevented.
Squad Captain Asim Tariq was fatally shot near Shaheen Chowk on Ninth Avenue after intervening when he allegedly saw a man trying to force a woman onto a motorcycle on Sunday. Investigators said the woman later told police the suspect, identified as her co-worker, was allegedly diverted from the route to her workplace and tried to take her elsewhere, leading to a struggle.
The group captain intervened and allowed the woman to get to safety before he was shot. The suspect then fled the scene, but police said efforts were underway to arrest him.
