"Second to None": Nation Bids Emotional Farewell to PAF Hero Group Captain Asim Tariq Who Laid Down His Life to Save a Woman

ISLAMABAD - A grieving nation bid a tearful farewell to Group Captain Asim Tariq, the Pakistan Air Force officer who embraced martyrdom while bravely intervening to rescue a woman from an abduction attempt in Islamabad .

The funeral, attended by senior military leadership, PAF personnel, grieving family members, and thousands of citizens, was a powerful testament to the courage and selflessness that defines Pakistan's armed forces .

The funeral of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while saving a woman from an abduction attempt.

A nation salutes his courage and sacrifice. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah 🇵🇰🫡 pic.twitter.com/zDSietrgSb

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 7, 2026

A Hero's Final Act

Group Captain Tariq was driving through Islamabad when he witnessed a man attempting to force a woman onto a motorcycle near Shaheen Chowk on Ninth Avenue . Seeing the woman resisting and pleading for help, the officer turned his vehicle around and stepped forward to intervene .

The suspect, identified as Saad Abbasi, allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire. Group Captain Tariq sustained fatal wounds and embraced martyrdom on the spot, but his intervention saved the woman from a potentially tragic fate .

A Nation Salutes His Sacrifice

The PAF motto, "Second to None" - inspired by the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah - was reflected in Group Captain Tariq's final act of courage .

President Asif Zardari expressed deep grief, stating: "Sacrificing one's life to protect an innocent woman is a shining example of the highest human values and dedicated service to the nation" .

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Group Captain Tariq set "an exceptional example of courage, bravery, and devotion to duty" .

Senior military leadership, including PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, also attended the funeral, paying tribute to the fallen hero .

May He Rest in Paradise

As the coffin, draped in the green and white flag, was carried to its final resting place, mourners chanted prayers for the departed soul .

Pakistan salutes the ultimate sacrifice of Group Captain Asim Tariq. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his bravery inspire generations to come. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen. 🇵🇰