ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday sent suspect Saad Abbasi to jail on a 14-day judicial lock-up for an identification parade in the murder case of PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq.

ATC Judge Abual Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain heard the case registered by Islamabad Police against Abbasi.

A PAF officer was martyred after intervening to protect a woman from abduction on the 9th Avenue, police said on Sunday.

Group Captain Asim Tariq was travelling on the 9th Avenue when he saw a woman getting off a motorcycle while the rider was pulling her hand, police said.

Acting as a responsible citizen, he turned and stopped near the motorcycle. The woman ran to the other side of his vehicle. Police said the suspect, identified as Saad, began arguing with Group Captain Tariq before opening fire. The PAF officer later succumbed to his injuries, while the suspect fled the scene.

During the hearing today, the investigating officer (IO) told the court that the suspect needed to be sent for an identification parade.

“There are also two eyewitnesses in the case,” prosecutor Raja Naveed told the court.

“Why did you do this?” Judge Zulqarnain asked the suspect during the proceedings.

“I was with a girl, and a man came and was disturbing us,” Abbasi told the court.

The judge responded: “Disturbing you? Were you doing something good that he disturbed you?”

The court subsequently remanded the suspect in judicial custody for 14 days to complete the identification parade and directed to produce Abbasi again before court on July 20.

Addressing press conference a day earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi disclosed that the suspect was apprehended following a coordinated, multi-layered operation that combined digital monitoring with physical intelligence gathering.

The IGP explained that the suspect had previously picked the woman up from her residence on two occasions. On the day of the incident, an argument erupted near Shaheen Chowk when the suspect attempted to pressure her into accompanying him to a park or another location instead of her workplace, which she firmly refused to do.

IGP Rizvi noted that the acquaintance between the suspect and the woman had only lasted a few days, adding that she did not even possess information regarding his residential address.

To resolve the high-profile case, the police chief established 11 specialised police teams tasked with tracking the assailant.

The breakthrough in the investigation came through the rigorous analysis of technological data. Law enforcement officials reviewed footages from 275 Safe City and private CCTV cameras alongside recordings from 137 digital video recorders (DVRs).

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6 /DNA/ – The Abbottonians Old Boys Association (AOBA), Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chapter, has successfully concluded its elections, with Mr. Aun Ali Syed, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), being elected as President of AOBA Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chapter for the 2026–2028 term. His election reflects the confidence and overwhelming support of the Abbottonian fraternity, who entrusted him with leading the Association into a new era of unity, progress, and alumni engagement.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Aun Ali Syed thanked every Abbottonian who participated in the democratic process and reposed their trust in him and his team. He said that this victory is not a personal achievement but a collective success of every Abbottonian who believes in the values of unity, integrity, and service. He added that the trust shown by the members is both an honour and a responsibility, and he is committed to fulfilling that responsibility with sincerity, transparency, and dedication.

He further stated that his vision is to transform AOBA into an even stronger and more vibrant platform by enhancing alumni participation, strengthening professional and social networking, supporting educational and welfare initiatives, and preserving the proud traditions and legacy of Abbottabad Public School. He emphasized that every member of the Association will have an equal opportunity to contribute, ensuring that AOBA continues to grow as an inclusive and progressive organization.

Aun Ali Syed also paid tribute to the members of his panel for their unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and teamwork throughout the election campaign. He remarked that the success of the panel was the result of collective dedication, mutual respect, and the confidence shown by the Abbottonian community. He also appreciated all contesting candidates for conducting a dignified and respectful election, which further strengthened the spirit of brotherhood within the Association.

Speaking about his team, he said that he looks forward to working closely with Adv. Munir Usmani, who has been elected Vice President; Muhammad Kamil Quddus, elected General Secretary; Maaz Naeem, elected Joint Secretary; and Syed Shujaat Ali, elected Finance Secretary. He expressed full confidence in the newly elected office-bearers and stated that together they will work tirelessly for the betterment of AOBA, promote meaningful initiatives for alumni, and ensure that the Association continues to serve as a symbol of excellence and unity.

Concluding his message, Aun Ali Syed, Vice President FPCCI and President-Elect of AOBA Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chapter, once again thanked every voter, supporter, volunteer, and well-wisher for their invaluable confidence and encouragement. He reaffirmed that the new leadership will remain committed to serving every Abbottonian with honesty, inclusiveness, and professionalism while working together to build a stronger, more united, and more dynamic AOBA for generations to come.

LAHORE: The DNA of three suspects accused in the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of foreign women in Lahore’s Defence area has matched forensic evidence, according to the investigation and police sources.

Police had sent DNA samples of eight suspects to a forensic laboratory for cross-matching as part of the investigation.

Two foreign women — Venezuelan and Dutch — were allegedly subjected to torture and sexual assault in Lahore.

The incident came to the limelight after a first information report (FIR) was registered against five suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, identified as the grandson of a high-profile political bigwig. Five suspects, including Dar, are currently on physical remand.

According to investigation sources, the DNA of three suspects has now been matched with the evidence collected during the probe.

Investigation sources said the prime suspect, identified as Nawaz, tops the list of those whose DNA matched.

They alleged that Nawaz was the first to sexually assault one of the foreign women and that the other suspects followed after being encouraged by him.

Police sources identified the other two suspects whose DNA reportedly matched as Sajid and Sikandar.

The remaining DNA samples are still undergoing further forensic analysis, according to investigation sources, as the inquiry into the case continues.

What had happened?
In a press conference on Sunday, Lahore DIG Operations Kamran said the two foreign women arrived in Lahore on June 29 and were allegedly kidnapped soon afterwards.

He said that police launched an investigation after tracing the vehicle involved and examining its travel history through Safe City cameras. He said the vehicle was tracked as it travelled via the motorway to Sargodha, while raids were also conducted in Shahdara and Defence.

Kamran said the first ransom call was received on July 1 from a man identified as Carlos, who informed police that Spanish authorities had also been notified. He added that the Safe City Authority received a call on the emergency helpline the same day.

He said four suspects were arrested on July 2 after police traced phone numbers, vehicle details and location data.

According to a police officer, the women were later taken to the airport by suspect Raza Dar when an altercation occurred near Bhatta Chowk. The vehicle crashed, the women jumped out and took shelter in a filter house, where police subsequently rescued them.

The DIG Operations rejected reports that the women had appeared on their own and said the women had stated that the Punjab Police rescued them.

PPP leader vows to honour public mandate after election victory

Staff Report

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Amjad Hussain Advocate was sworn in as the new chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, following his party’s victory in the 2026 regional elections.

Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah administered the oath to the newly elected chief minister at a ceremony in Gilgit.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Hussain said the PPP had emerged as the largest party in Gilgit-Baltistan in the June 7 elections.

He said young people and women had played a significant role in the 2026 elections, while PPP candidates secured victories in their respective constituencies.

“I thank those who gave the Pakistan Peoples Party a 100% result in the elections,” he said.

The chief minister said the people had continued the longstanding tradition of placing their trust in the PPP by giving the party a strong mandate and greater responsibilities.

“This relationship is not new; it spans three generations,” he said. The CM said the PPP had secured a strong mandate in Diamer for the first time.

Hussain added that despite the PPP not being in power at the Centre, the people had once again reposed confidence in the party.

He also expressed gratitude to the party leadership for its support.

Hussain also thanked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership for giving the PPP the opportunity to form the government.

Hussain — who was elected unopposed as no other member submitted their nomination papers for the top post — has become the fifth chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. He was elected from the GBA-1 constituency in the GB Legislative Assembly elections and is also the President of the PPP GB chapter.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: María Fernanda Espinosa, former Foreign Minister of Ecuador and currently candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, today.

Welcoming Ms. Espinosa, DPM/FM expressed Pakistan’s full support for strengtehing multilateralism, and ensuirng the centrarl role of the United Nations in the global affairs.

He expressed the hope that the incoming Secretary General will carry out much needed reforms in the United Nations and will ensure the implementation of longstanding UNSC resolutions, especially for Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir which remain crucial for lasting peace in the Middle East and South Asia.

DPM/FM reaffimed Pakistan’s committmet to continue working towards promoting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law and treaties, and active international cooperation for global peace and prosperity.