Court extends suspect's remand in Pakistan Air Force officer's murder case

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted police an additional seven-day physical remand for Saad Abbasi, the suspect accused of murdering Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq. The incident occurred on July 5 when Tariq intervened as Abbasi was allegedly attempting to abduct a woman forcefully. Tariq was fatally shot when the accused opened fire during the confrontation.

Federal police arrested Abbasi within nine hours of the incident. The suspect was presented before the court after his initial seven-day remand concluded. During the hearing, Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kayani requested a further 15-day remand, citing the need for continued investigation.

The prosecution informed the court that the pistol allegedly used in the murder has been recovered, having been hidden by the accused after the incident. However, Abbasi's mobile phone remains unrecovered, and investigators believe additional time in custody is necessary to locate it and continue their inquiries.

ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the arguments and subsequently approved the seven-day extension for Abbasi's physical remand. The court has directed the police to produce the accused again on August 3, by which time further progress in the investigation is expected.