Investigators have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect who shot and killed a Pakistan Air Force officer after an alleged roadside encounter on Ninth Avenue in Islamabad, with authorities gathering witness statements and forensic evidence to determine the sequence of events.
Law enforcement teams have recorded the statement of a woman who was present at the time of the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby streets, according to officials familiar with the investigation. Police say evidence collected so far is being used to track the movements of the suspected gunman before and after the shooting.
During the initial investigation, the woman allegedly told investigators that the suspect was a colleague from her workplace. She said he had offered to drop her off at work, but she became concerned after he allegedly deviated from the agreed-upon route. Police said she attempted to abandon her motorcycle when the situation escalated, according to police.
Authorities believe Group Captain Asim was passing through the area at the time. After seeing what had happened on the side of the road, he allegedly stopped to assess the situation. Investigators say the woman ran to her vehicle for help, which is when an argument allegedly broke out between the officer and the suspect.
Police said the confrontation quickly turned violent when the suspect allegedly opened fire before fleeing the scene. The injured officer did not survive despite emergency efforts, while investigators immediately launched a search.
Security officials confirmed that multiple teams have been assigned to search for the suspect. They added that forensic experts are analyzing physical evidence collected from the scene, while digital surveillance is also being reviewed as part of the investigation.
The incident has attracted widespread public attention, with many social media users calling the officer’s intervention an act of courage. However, authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to complete their inquiries before drawing any conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the case.
Authorities say more details will be shared as the investigation progresses, while efforts to arrest the suspect are ongoing.