President, PM pay tribute to PAF officer martyred while rescuing woman

Police say Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling to Rawalpindi on official duty when he noticed a man allegedly attempting to force a woman onto a motorcycle

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 6th, 2026) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred after intervening to save a woman during an alleged abduction attempt in Islamabad.

In a statement, the prime minister said Group Captain Asim Tariq sacrificed his life to protect the life and dignity of a woman, describing his act as an extraordinary example of courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

He said the nation would always remember and honour the sacrifices of such brave individuals. The prime minister also directed the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the fallen officer, saying that sacrificing one's life to protect an innocent woman reflected the highest standards of humanity and national service.

The president expressed concern over the incident occurring on a major road in the Federal capital and stressed the need for effective measures to prevent such crimes in the future.

Both the president and the prime minister extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the martyr's elevated ranks.

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National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also expressed deep sorrow over the officer's martyrdom, saying Group Captain Asim Tariq demonstrated exceptional courage and selfless dedication by sacrificing his life to save an innocent woman.

He said the officer's bravery and humanity would remain a lasting source of inspiration and extended his sympathies to the martyr's family, assuring them that the entire nation stood with them in their grief.

The incident took place near Air University on 9th Avenue within the jurisdiction of Margalla Police Station.

According to police, Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling to Rawalpindi on official duty when he noticed a man allegedly attempting to force a woman onto a motorcycle. The officer stopped to intervene, and the woman moved towards his vehicle seeking protection. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally injuring the PAF officer.

Islamabad Police later arrested the suspect within hours of the incident. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and the woman worked at the same cash-and-carry outlet in G-6. Investigators said the suspect allegedly attempted to take the woman to another location against her will after picking her up, prompting her resistance before the officer intervened.

The investigation into the incident is underway.