Summary Addressing a press conference, Rizvi said the tragic incident occurred at 11:21am when Group Captain Asim intervened after witnessing an altercation between a young woman and the suspect
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi said police arrested the suspect accused of killing Group Captain Asim within nine hours of the incident.
Addressing a press conference alongside DIG Operations Jawad Tariq, Rizvi said the tragic incident occurred at 11:21am when Group Captain Asim intervened after witnessing an altercation between a young woman and the suspect.
According to the IGP, Group Captain Asim stepped in out of a sense of civic responsibility and compassion, attempting to stop the suspect from harassing and arguing with the woman.
However, the suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, allegedly opened fire in a fit of rage, fatally shooting the Pakistan Air Force officer.
Rizvi said both the suspect, Saad Abbasi, and the woman, identified as Nimra, worked at a private cash-and-carry store in Islamabad's G-6 sector.
He said the suspect wanted to take the woman to a park or another location, but she refused and wished to keep their interaction limited to the workplace.
The IGP added that they had known each other for only about 10 days through a pick-and-drop arrangement, and the woman was not even aware of the suspect's home address.
Also Read: PAF Group Captain martyred while helping woman on Islamabad road
Describing the case as a major challenge for Islamabad Police, Rizvi said 11 special investigation teams were formed immediately after the shooting.
He said investigators used Safe City surveillance cameras, artificial intelligence technology, digital surveillance and physical intelligence to trace the suspect's clothing, motorcycle and movements.
According to the police chief, after the shooting the suspect purchased a ticket through Skyway, switched off his mobile phone and changed his clothes in an attempt to evade arrest.
Despite these efforts, police tracked him down and arrested him within nine hours of the incident.
Rizvi praised Group Captain Asim for displaying exceptional patriotism, courage and civic responsibility by trying to protect a woman from alleged harassment.
He vowed that police would pursue the case in accordance with the law and ensure that the accused, Saad Abbasi, is brought to justice.
