Prime Minister Shehbaz orders authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
A combined image of President Asif Ali Zardari (L) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R). Photo: Archive
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep sorrow 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 president praised the officer’s bravery and sacrifice and described his actions as an exemplary display of bravery, devotion to duty and public service.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the group’s captain, Asim Tariq, gave his life while protecting the life and honor of a woman, setting “an incomparable example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty.” He said the nation will always remember and honor the sacrifices of such brave sons.
He also expressed his condolences to the captain’s family and said the entire nation was with them in their grief. Chief Minister Shehbaz also prayed for the elevated status of the deceased in the future 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 his deep sorrow over the death of the officer and offered his condolences to his family in a post on X. He said that sacrificing one’s 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 that occurred on a major thoroughfare in Islamabad as a matter of serious concern and highlighted the need to ensure that such crimes are prevented.
The group’s captain, Asim Tariq, was shot dead 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 colleague, had allegedly veered off the route to her workplace and tried to take her to another location, leading to a struggle.
The captain of the group intervened, allowing the woman to get to safety before she was shot. The suspect then fled the scene, however, police stated that efforts were underway to arrest him.
