PAF Group Captain Asim Murder: ATC Sends Prime Suspect to Jail for 14-Day Identification Parade

Police say extensive CCTV analysis, multi-team operation led to suspect Saad Abbasi arrest

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday ordered the prime suspect in the killing of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq to be sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand for an identification parade, marking another key step in the investigation into the high-profile murder case.

The order was issued by ATC Judge Abual Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain after investigators requested judicial custody to complete the identification process. The suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, will remain in jail until the identification parade is conducted. The court has directed investigators to submit a report after the process is completed and scheduled the next hearing for July 20.

Court Approves Identification Parade

During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that an identification parade was necessary as part of the ongoing investigation. Prosecutor Raja Naveed told the court that two eyewitnesses are expected to participate in the identification process.

The suspect was brought before the court under strict security arrangements. During the proceedings, Judge Zulqarnain questioned the suspect about the fatal shooting.

According to the courtroom proceedings, the suspect claimed he had been with a woman when another man approached and allegedly interfered with them. The judge challenged the explanation before approving the prosecution's request for judicial remand to facilitate the identification parade.

Murder Case Registered Under Anti-Terrorism Law

The case has been registered by Islamabad Police on the complaint of the Commandant of Air Headquarters. Authorities have invoked murder charges along with relevant provisions of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act, reflecting the seriousness of the incident.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to Islamabad Police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling along Islamabad's 9th Avenue when he noticed a woman getting off a motorcycle while the rider was allegedly pulling her by the hand.

Police say the senior PAF officer stopped his vehicle after observing the situation, apparently attempting to assist the woman. She reportedly moved toward the opposite side of his vehicle after getting away from the motorcycle.

Investigators said that an argument then broke out between the suspect and Group Captain Tariq. During the confrontation, the suspect opened fire, critically injuring the PAF officer before fleeing the scene. Group Captain Asim Tariq later succumbed to his injuries.

Police Reveal Investigation Details

Islamabad Police say the suspect was traced and arrested through a coordinated investigation involving both digital surveillance and conventional intelligence.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi previously stated that investigators formed 11 specialised police teams immediately after the shooting to locate the suspect.

According to the police chief, investigators examined footage from 275 Safe City and privately installed CCTV cameras and reviewed recordings obtained from 137 digital video recorders (DVRs). Police say the extensive analysis of surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect.

Police Version of Events Before the Shooting

Police officials have also disclosed details regarding the interaction between the suspect and the woman involved in the incident.

According to investigators, the suspect and the woman had known each other for only a few days. Police say he had previously picked her up from her residence on two occasions.

On the day of the shooting, an argument reportedly began near Shaheen Chowk after the suspect allegedly attempted to persuade the woman to accompany him to a park or another location instead of her workplace. Investigators say she refused to do so.

Police further stated that despite their brief acquaintance, the woman did not know the suspect's residential address.

Investigation Continues

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as forensic evidence, witness statements, and the upcoming identification parade are expected to form important parts of the prosecution's case.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the anti-terrorism court again on July 20, following completion of the identification parade and submission of the investigators' report.