Court extends remand of PAF officer’s murder suspect

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted police another seven days of physical remand of Saad

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted police another seven days of physical remand of Saad Abbasi, who is accused of killing Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq.

Abbasi was produced before the court on Monday after completing his initial seven-day physical remand.

ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case. The prosecution requested an additional 15 days of physical remand to continue the investigation.

Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani told the court that police had recovered the pistol allegedly used in the killing. He said the suspect had allegedly concealed the weapon after the incident.

The prosecution also informed the court that investigators had yet to recover the suspect’s mobile phone. Police said the phone could provide further information relevant to the investigation.

After hearing arguments from the prosecution, the court reserved its decision on the remand request.

The court later approved seven more days of physical remand. Abbasi was handed back to police custody for further investigation.

The court directed police to produce the suspect before it again after the completion of the additional remand period.

The case relates to the death of Group Captain Asim Tariq in Islamabad on July 5.

According to the investigation, the PAF officer intervened when the suspect allegedly attempted to forcibly take a woman away.

The situation reportedly escalated after Tariq intervened. The suspect allegedly opened fire, and the officer was struck by a bullet.

Tariq succumbed to his injuries and was later declared a martyr.

Islamabad police arrested Abbasi within nine hours of the incident.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are also working to recover the suspect’s mobile phone and gather additional evidence.