PM, president pay tribute to PAF officer who sacrificed life to save woman from abduction

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was killed while intervening in an alleged abduction attempt involving a woman in Islamabad.

The prime minister said the officer gave his life to protect a woman’s life and dignity and described his act as an exceptional example of bravery and commitment to duty. "The nation will always honour and respect the sacrifices of such brave sons," he added.

The prime minister also directed the relevant authorities to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice and punished strictly in line with the law.

In a statement issued by the President’s House, President Zardari said laying down one’s life to protect an innocent woman reflected the highest human values and service to the nation. He also said that an incident of this nature taking place on a major road in Islamabad was a matter of serious concern and stressed the need to fully prevent such occurrences in the future. Both the president and the prime minister expressed condolences to the slain officer’s family.

Incident and police account

The shooting took place in the jurisdiction of Margalla police station, near Air University and opposite Bahria University. Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling to Rawalpindi on an official assignment when he saw a man allegedly dragging a woman towards his motorcycle by force.

The officer then made a U-turn and stopped near the motorcycle. As he stepped in, the woman moved towards his vehicle apparently seeking safety. Police said the suspect first exchanged words with the PAF officer and then opened fire on him.

At a press conference on Sunday night, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi said the suspect had been arrested within nine hours of the incident. He said the woman and the suspect both worked at a cash and carry outlet in G-6 and that the man would sometimes pick and drop her off. According to the IGP, after collecting her on Sunday, the suspect wanted to take her to a park or another place, but she resisted, after which he stopped the motorcycle at 9th Avenue.