ATC gives investigators more time in Group Captain Asim Tariq murder case
An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad extended the physical remand of Saad Abbasi, who was arrested in connection with the killing of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq. The court ordered that the suspect be kept in physical remand for another seven days to allow investigators to continue questioning him and collect further evidence.
The case was heard by ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain. The court also directed investigators to present Abbasi again on August 3. The prosecution had requested a 15-day extension of physical remand, saying investigators needed more time to make progress in the case.
According to police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was shot after he reportedly intervened when he saw a woman being abducted on Islamabad’s Ninth Avenue. Police said Asim was passing through the area when he noticed a woman beside a motorcycle. A man was allegedly trying to pull her away by force.
The PAF officer stopped his vehicle after noticing the situation. The woman then reportedly ran towards his vehicle, apparently seeking protection from the man.
According to the police account, a heated exchange followed between Asim and the suspect. The suspect allegedly opened fire on the PAF officer during the confrontation. Group Captain Asim suffered critical gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead.
The suspect allegedly fled the scene after the shooting, while authorities began efforts to trace and arrest him.
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The latest court order gives investigators additional time to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing. The physical remand period allows investigators to question the accused and pursue evidence that may help establish what happened before, during and after the shooting.
The prosecution’s request for 15 days was not fully accepted by the court. Instead, the ATC granted seven additional days of physical remand. The accused will now be produced before the court again on August 3, when investigators are expected to provide an update on the progress of the case.
