Prime Minister Shehbaz orders authorities to conduct transparent investigation and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice
A combined photo of President Asif Ali Zardari (left) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right). Photo: File
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep sadness over the death of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was shot dead after he intervened 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, thereby setting “an unprecedented example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty”. He said the nation would always remember and honor the sacrifices of these brave sons.
He also offered his condolences to the captain’s family, saying the entire nation stood with him in their grief. Prime Minister Shehbaz also prayed for the high status of the deceased in the afterlife and directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
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President Zardari also expressed deep sadness over the death of the officer and offered condolences to his family in a message on X. He said 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 matter of grave concern and stressed the need to ensure that such crimes are prevented.
Group 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 that the suspect, identified as her co-worker, allegedly veered off the road leading to her workplace and tried to take her elsewhere, causing a fight.
The group captain intervened, allowing 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.
