ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while intervening to rescue a woman in distress in Islamabad, was laid to rest with full military honours on Tuesday, with the country's civilian and military leadership paying tribute to his courage and sacrifice.

Group Captain Asim Tariq embraced martyrdom after intervening to protect a woman who was allegedly being harassed on a major Islamabad roadway. According to official statements, the Pakistan Air Force officer confronted the assailant in an attempt to rescue the woman before being fatally shot. The incident prompted a police investigation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directing authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent probe and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), funeral prayers for the martyred officer were offered in Islamabad before he was buried with full military honours in recognition of his "exceptional courage, selfless devotion and unwavering sense of duty."

"Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the funeral prayers along with senior officers, airmen and a large gathering of the civil community to pay final respects to the valiant officer and honour his supreme sacrifice," the military's media wing said in a statement.

Paying tribute to the fallen officer, the air chief said the sacrifice of Group Captain Asim Tariq "epitomizes the finest traditions of the Pakistan Air Force and the Armed Forces of Pakistan."

He said that by laying down his life while protecting an innocent citizen, the martyred officer demonstrated that the men and women of the Pakistan Air Force remain steadfast not only in defending the country's frontiers but also in safeguarding the lives, dignity and honor of fellow citizens.

PM Sharif, while addressing the federal cabinet, paid tribute to the officer's courage and bravery.

In a separate statement, the prime minister expressed profound grief over the martyrdom, saying Group Captain Asim Tariq "set an exceptional example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty by sacrificing his life to protect the life and dignity of a woman."

"The nation will always honour and remember the sacrifices of such brave sons of the soil," the prime minister said.

He extended condolences to the bereaved family and directed the relevant authorities to conduct a "thorough and transparent investigation" into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep grief over the officer's martyrdom, describing his sacrifice to protect an innocent woman as "a shining example of the highest human values and national service."

The president offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength and patience. He also described the incident on one of Islamabad's major thoroughfares as a matter of concern, stressing the need to ensure the complete prevention of such crimes.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the family of the martyred officer. He sought a report from the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and directed authorities to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect.

"There should be no shortcoming in providing justice to the family of the martyr," the interior minister said, directing that those responsible be brought to justice.

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PAF officer laid to rest with full military honors after heroic sacrifice

PAF officer laid to rest with full military honors after heroic sacrifice