ATC indicts accused in PAF officer case, summons witnesses for Nov 2

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Thursday indicted the accused in the PAF officer case and summoned prosecution witnesses to record their statements. The court adjourned further proceedings until November 2. The case concerns the murder of PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq.

ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain conducted the hearing. The accused, Saad Abbasi, was produced before the court. The judge read out the charges, and Abbasi pleaded not guilty and opted to contest the case.

PAF officer case: charges framed, trial moves ahead

After the indictment, the court summoned prosecution witnesses for the next hearing. Police have registered a case against the accused at Margalla Police Station in connection with the killing.

The indictment marks a key step in a case that drew national attention in July. The trial will now move into the evidence stage, with prosecution witnesses set to testify from November 2.

The July 5 incident

On July 5, Group Captain Tariq was martyred in Islamabad while trying to save a woman. According to police, the suspect was trying to take the woman away “forcefully” when Tariq intervened. As the officer stepped in, Abbasi opened fire, hitting him.

Tariq was travelling on 9th Avenue when he saw a woman getting off a motorcycle while the rider pulled her hand. Acting as a responsible citizen, he stopped his vehicle and confronted the man. The woman ran to the other side of his vehicle. Police said the suspect, identified as Saad, argued with the officer before opening fire. Tariq later succumbed to his injuries, while the suspect fled the scene.

The killing sparked widespread outrage. The PAF officer was widely praised for sacrificing his life to protect a stranger.

From arrest to indictment

Police arrested Abbasi days after the shooting following what the Islamabad police chief described as a coordinated, multi-layered operation combining digital monitoring with physical intelligence. An anti-terrorism court sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial lock-up for an identification parade.

During those proceedings, the judge questioned the suspect directly. Asked why he had committed the act, Abbasi replied that he was with a girl and the officer had created a disturbance. The judge rebuked him, asking whether he believed he had done a good deed.

Two PAF officials who witnessed the incident and the woman Abbasi allegedly harassed were to take part in the identification parade. The court noted in its written order that the offence was heinous since a member of the armed forces had lost his life.

The accused faces charges under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Frequently asked questions

Who was indicted in the PAF officer case?

Saad Abbasi, the accused in the murder of PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq. An Islamabad anti-terrorism court framed charges against him on Thursday.

How did he plead?

He pleaded not guilty and opted to contest the case.

When is the next hearing?

November 2, when prosecution witnesses will record their statements.

What happened on July 5?

Group Captain Tariq intervened when he saw a man harassing a woman on Islamabad’s 9th Avenue. The suspect opened fire, and the officer later died of his injuries.

Sources: Dawn, UrduPoint/APP