Suspect in PAF group captain Asim Tariq murder sent to judicial custody 

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the prime suspect in the murder of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ordered the prime suspect in the murder of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Shaheed Asim Tariq to be sent to judicial custody for 14 days to undergo an identification parade as investigations into the high-profile case continue.

The hearing was conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad, where the investigating authorities presented the accused, Saad Abbasi, before the court and requested that he be sent for an identification parade. The court accepted the request and directed that the suspect remain in judicial lock-up for two weeks.

According to the court order, Saad Abbasi will be produced again before the court on July 20, following the completion of the identification process.

During the proceedings, the investigating officer informed the court that conducting an identification parade was an essential step in the investigation. The process is intended to allow eyewitnesses to formally identify the suspect in accordance with legal procedures, which could strengthen the prosecution’s case if the identification is successfully completed.

Prosecutor Raja Naveed also briefed the court on the progress of the investigation. He informed the judge that the case includes two eyewitnesses who are expected to participate in the identification parade. Their testimony is considered an important part of the ongoing investigation into the killing of the Pakistan Air Force officer.

During the hearing, ATC Judge Abul Hasnat directly questioned the accused about the incident, asking why he had committed the alleged act.

In response, the suspect claimed that he was with a girl at the time of the incident and alleged that the deceased approached them and disturbed them. The accused stated that this confrontation led to the events that followed.

Judge Abul Hasnat responded sharply to the suspect’s explanation, questioning his justification by asking, “He disturbed you? What exactly were you doing that you considered being disturbed?” The exchange reflected the court’s scrutiny of the accused’s version of events while emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing.

The murder of Group Captain Shaheed Asim Tariq has drawn widespread public attention across Pakistan. The senior Pakistan Air Force officer was reportedly martyred while attempting to intervene during an incident involving a woman. His actions were widely praised as an act of bravery and selflessness, and the case has generated significant public interest and demands for swift justice.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, gathering witness statements, forensic evidence, and other material to establish the sequence of events. The identification parade is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the eyewitnesses can positively identify the accused as the individual involved in the crime.

The court’s latest order represents another important step in the legal proceedings. Following the completion of the identification parade, investigators are expected to present further evidence before the court as the prosecution moves forward with the case.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 20, when the accused will once again appear before the Anti-Terrorism Court, and the investigation’s progress, including the results of the identification parade, is expected to be reviewed.