President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed deep grief over the death of Group Captain Asim Tariq, praising his sacrifice as an extraordinary act of courage and service.

Group Captain Asim Tariq lost his life on Sunday in Islamabad while trying to protect an innocent woman.

In separate messages, the president and the prime minister offered prayers for the departed soul and conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

President Zardari said that sacrificing one’s life to protect an innocent woman reflected the highest human values and exemplified dedicated service to the nation.

The president said that such an incident on a main avenue in Islamabad was a matter of concern, stressing the need to ensure the complete eradication of such crimes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Group Captain Asim Tariq had set an exceptional example of courage, bravery and devotion to duty by sacrificing his life to protect the life and dignity of a woman.

He said that the nation will always remember and respect the sacrifices of such brave sons of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyr, adding that the entire nation shares their grief in this difficult time.

The prime minister also directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.