Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Group Captain Asim Tariq of the Pakistan Air Force, saying that he has set an example of courage, duty and humanity by sacrificing his life to protect the life and honour of a woman, which the nation will always remember.
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Group Captain Asim Tariq fearlessly intervened in the most difficult circumstances and sacrificed his life while helping a citizen. The Prime Minister directed the relevant institutions to conduct a complete, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident so that all the facts can come out and the responsible elements can be severely punished according to the law.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said that such brave officers are the pride of the nation and their sacrifices will always be remembered with honour and respect in the history of the country.
In a statement issued from the Presidential Palace, President Asif Ali Zardari said that sacrificing one’s life to protect an innocent woman is a shining example of high human values, national service and duty. He said that this sad incident that took place on a major highway in the federal capital requires serious attention from law enforcement agencies, and complete prevention of such incidents should be ensured in the future.
The president stressed that effective steps should be taken to protect the lives and property of citizens so that the people feel safe. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyred officer and prayed for his elevation to his rank and patience for the bereaved.
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Group Captain Asim Tariq. He said that the martyred officer revived the high traditions of unparalleled courage, selflessness and national service while trying to save the life and honour of a woman. He said that such sacrifices will remain a symbol of courage, humanity and duty for the coming generations.
According to police officials, the incident took place between Air University and Bahria University on Ninth Avenue within the limits of Margalla police station in Islamabad. According to initial investigations, Group Captain Asim Tariq was going to Rawalpindi on official duty when he saw a motorcyclist trying to forcibly take a woman with him.
According to reports, the Air Force officer, upon seeing the situation, turned his vehicle around and reached the spot and intervened. Meanwhile, the woman came towards his vehicle for protection, to which the accused first verbally abused her and later opened fire, as a result of which Group Captain Asim Tariq was seriously injured and later died.
Inspector General of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi told a press conference that the main accused in the incident was arrested within a few hours. According to him, initial investigations have revealed that the woman and the accused worked in the same cash-and-carry store. The accused was taking the woman on a motorcycle and trying to take her to another place; however, the situation became tense due to the woman’s resistance.
The police say that the investigation is ongoing from various angles and the case will be taken to its logical conclusion in light of all the evidence. The authorities have assured that action will be taken against all those involved in the incident as per the law.
The sacrifice of Group Captain Asim Tariq has sent a wave of deep sorrow across the country, while political, military and social circles have paid tribute to his services, calling him a symbol of duty, bravery and humanity.
