ATC sends suspect in PAF officer’s killing to jail on judicial remand

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Monday sent the suspect arrested in the killing of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq to jail on a 14-day judicial remand to facilitate an identification parade.

Suspect Saad Abbasi was produced before Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who approved the investigating officer’s request for judicial custody.

According to the court order, the investigating officer sought 14 days’ judicial remand, arguing that an identification parade was necessary to establish the suspect’s involvement in the case.

The court observed that, based on the available record, a “heinous offence” had been attributed to the suspect in which a member of the armed forces lost his life.

The judge directed jail authorities to arrange the identification parade and ensure that the suspect’s identity remained concealed until the process was completed.

The court also directed police to produce the suspect again on July 20 along with a report on the identification parade and adjourned the hearing until then.

The proceedings came a day after police arrested 20-year-old Saad Abbasi in connection with the fatal shooting of Group Captain Asim Tariq and released CCTV footage tracing his movements after the incident.

According to police, the footage showed the suspect leaving Islamabad for Lahore from the Faizabad bus terminal shortly after the shooting.

Investigators also released CCTV footage allegedly showing the suspect riding a motorcycle with the woman involved in the incident before changing his clothes at a nearby shop.

Police said Abbasi, a resident of Band Khanna Road in Islamabad’s Khanna police station area, had completed matriculation and previously worked as a salesman at an electronics store.

According to investigators, the incident began when the suspect allegedly attempted to force a woman to accompany him on his motorcycle. After she resisted, an altercation ensued.

Police said Group Captain Asim Tariq stopped his vehicle after noticing the incident and intervened to assist the woman.

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The suspect allegedly opened fire on the officer while he was seated in his vehicle before fleeing the scene. Group Captain Asim later succumbed to his injuries.

Following a search operation, police arrested the suspect.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the slain officer, describing his actions as an example of courage and selflessness.

They expressed condolences to the bereaved family and directed authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also sought a report on the incident and instructed police to expedite the investigation.

Group Captain Asim Tariq is survived by his widow, a daughter and a son.