ISLAMABAD: Group Captain Asim Tariq of the Pakistan Air Force was killed in a shooting incident at Shaheen Chowk in Islamabad on Sunday afternoon after he reportedly stepped in during an alleged attempt to force a girl into a car.
According to initial reports, the incident began when a suspect tried to take a girl away by force. Witnesses said Group Captain Asim Tariq intervened in an effort to protect the girl and calm the situation, but the suspect became agitated and opened fire. The officer died on the spot.
Eyewitnesses said an argument was taking place between a man and a girl by the roadside before the suspect allegedly tried to make her sit in a vehicle. As people nearby tried to understand what was happening, Group Captain Asim Tariq arrived and attempted to stop the suspect from taking the law into his own hands.
The sound of gunfire triggered panic in the busy area, while the suspect managed to flee after the shooting. Police and rescue teams reached the scene soon after the incident was reported.
Margalla Police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Officials said bullet casings, CCTV footage and other important material were recovered from the site and are being used to trace the suspect.
Police also took the girl into custody for initial questioning to determine her relationship with the suspect and the exact nature of the incident. Investigators are examining several angles, including personal enmity, an abduction attempt and a possible domestic dispute.
Following the news of the officer’s death, social media users paid tribute to Group Captain Asim Tariq for his courage and willingness to help a citizen in distress. Police said a special team has been formed to investigate the case, and checkpoints have been set up across the city as raids continue to arrest the suspect.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that further facts will be shared after a thorough inquiry.
