ISLAMABAD: A key development has emerged in the murder case of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, as an anti-terrorism court ordered the transfer of main suspect Saad Abbasi to jail for a 14-day identification parade.

The case, registered on the complaint of the Air Headquarters Commandant under murder and anti-terrorism provisions, was heard by ATC Judge Abu Al Hasnat Zulqarnain. During the proceedings, the prosecution and investigating officer appeared before the court, while the suspect was presented under strict security.

The court directed authorities to conduct the identification parade in jail and submit a report upon its completion. The judge also ordered that the accused be produced again on July 20.

Investigators informed the court that Saad Abbasi had been arrested following a large-scale operation involving multiple police teams and surveillance efforts. Officials said the suspect was traced after reviewing Safe City camera footage and other evidence, with authorities linking him to Abbottabad.

According to police officials, the incident occurred at around 11:21am and was treated as a serious security challenge, prompting immediate investigation and formation of multiple teams to track the suspect.

Further proceedings in the case will continue after completion of the identification parade.

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer was martyred after intervening to protect a woman during an abduction attempt on Islamabad’s Ninth Avenue, police said on Sunday.

Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling along Ninth Avenue in the federal capital when he saw a woman getting off a motorcycle while the rider was pulling her hand, police said.

Acting as a responsible citizen, he turned back and stopped near the motorcycle. The woman then ran to the other side of his vehicle.

Police said the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, began arguing with Group Captain Tariq before opening fire. The PAF officer later succumbed to his injuries, while the suspect fled the scene.

According to the woman’s statement to police, the suspect was her office colleague who had offered to take her to work.

She claimed that the suspect changed the route and attempted to take her elsewhere, leading to a struggle between them. The woman said that Group Captain Tariq intervened in time and kept her safe.

Police said law enforcement agencies were conducting operations to arrest the suspect. They added that Group Captain Tariq is survived by his widow, a daughter and a son.

Following the incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences to the family of the martyred officer and sought a report from the Islamabad inspector general of police.

Naqvi directed authorities to arrest the suspect at the earliest, saying that no effort should be spared in ensuring justice for the family of the martyred officer.

Suspect arrested within nine hours

Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said that they had arrested the suspect, belonging to Abbottabad, within nine hours of the fatal shooting of the PAF officer.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said the suspect and the woman worked together, lived in the Khanna area and travelled to work together.

Abbasi wanted to forcibly take the woman with him, but she insisted she would not go anywhere else, he said.

IGP Rizvi said Group Captain Tariq stopped his vehicle after noticing the woman in difficulty and attempted to mediate between the two. He said the officer had rescued the woman from the suspect during the altercation.