WhatsApp Chats Reveal New Twist in Group Captain Asim Tariq Murder Case

ISLAMABAD: Fresh developments have emerged in the murder investigation of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq after police obtained WhatsApp conversations between the prime suspect and a woman linked to the case.

According to investigators, the suspect, Muhammad Saad Abbasi, and the woman, identified as Nimra, worked at the same workplace. Police said their WhatsApp communication began five days before the fatal incident, during which the suspect allegedly offered to pick and drop her.

In her statement to police, Nimra said she was traveling to work on the day of the incident when the suspect allegedly attempted to force her to accompany him to Islamabad’s F-9 Park. She claimed she managed to get off the motorcycle when she found an opportunity, after which the suspect allegedly assaulted her with a pistol.

According to her account, Group Captain Asim Tariq arrived at the scene and questioned the suspect about the situation. The suspect reportedly replied that it was a “family matter,” prompting the officer to initially drive away.

However, after noticing in his rear-view mirror that the suspect was carrying a pistol, Group Captain Asim turned back to intervene. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly opened fire, killing the PAF officer on the spot.

Police are continuing their investigation and examining the recovered WhatsApp chats as part of the evidence.

Earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) sent prime suspect Muhammad Saad Abbasi to jail on a 14-day judicial remand for an identification parade. ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain directed the investigation officer to submit a report after the parade and ordered the accused to be produced before the court again on July 20.

The prosecution informed the court that two eyewitnesses had been identified in the case.

Islamabad Police have registered an FIR at Margalla Police Station under murder and anti-terrorism charges. According to the complaint filed by the Commandant of Air Headquarters, the suspect was allegedly harassing a woman when Group Captain Asim Tariq intervened, leading to the fatal shooting.