ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while trying to rescue a woman from an alleged abduction attempt in Islamabad.
According to state broadcaster PTV, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the officer sacrificed his life to protect the life and dignity of a woman, setting an unparalleled example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty.
“The nation will always honour and respect the sacrifices of such brave sons,” the prime minister said. He directed the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and punished strictly in accordance with the law.
In a separate statement issued by the Presidency, President Asif Ali Zardari said sacrificing one’s life to protect an innocent woman represented the highest human values and was an outstanding example of service to the nation.
The president described the incident on one of Islamabad’s major roads as a matter of serious concern and stressed the need to ensure such incidents are completely prevented in the future.
Both President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyred PAF officer and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also expressed deep sorrow over Group Captain Asim Tariq’s martyrdom, saying the officer displayed exceptional courage, selfless devotion and the highest traditions of service by sacrificing his own life to protect the dignity and life of an innocent woman.
Sadiq said the officer’s sacrifice reflected the finest values of bravery and humanity, adding that his courage would remain a lasting source of inspiration for future generations. He also expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, saying the entire nation shared their grief and stood in solidarity with them.
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Islamabad’s Margalla police station near Air University and opposite Bahria University.
According to police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling to Rawalpindi on an official assignment when he noticed a man forcefully pulling a woman towards his motorcycle. Seeing the situation, the officer made a U-turn and stopped near them to intervene.
As the officer stepped in, the woman moved towards his vehicle seeking protection. Police said the suspect first argued with the PAF officer before opening fire on him, fatally injuring him.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday night, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi said the suspect had been arrested within nine hours of the incident.
The IGP said the suspect and the woman worked together at a cash-and-carry outlet in Islamabad’s G-6 sector, and the suspect regularly picked her up and dropped her home.
According to the police chief, after picking up the woman on Sunday, the suspect wanted to take her to a park or another location. The woman resisted his insistence, prompting him to stop the motorcycle on 9th Avenue, where the confrontation occurred before Group Captain Asim Tariq intervened.