Islamabad, July 5,2026: A Pakistan Air Force officer was martyred after intervening to protect a woman during an alleged abduction attempt on Islamabad’s Ninth Avenue, police said on Sunday.
Police identified the officer as Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was travelling along Ninth Avenue when he noticed a woman getting off a motorcycle while the rider was allegedly pulling her by the hand.
According to police, Group Captain Tariq turned back and stopped near the motorcycle in an attempt to help. The woman then ran to the other side of his vehicle to seek safety.
Police said the suspect, identified as Saad, began arguing with the officer before opening fire. Group Captain Tariq sustained critical injuries and later embraced martyrdom, while the suspect fled the scene.
According to the woman’s statement, the suspect was her office colleague who had offered to drop her at work. She told police that he changed the route and tried to take her elsewhere, which led to a struggle between the two.
The woman said Group Captain Tariq intervened in time and ensured her safety.
Police said raids were under way to arrest the suspect and that law enforcement agencies were conducting operations in connection with the case.
Group Captain Tariq is survived by his widow, a daughter and a son, police said.
Following the incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences to the family of the slain officer and sought a report from the Islamabad inspector general of police.
Naqvi directed authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspect and said no effort should be spared in delivering justice to the family of the martyred officer.
