Islamabad police officer shoots himself, pronounced dead at PIMS

ISLAMABAD: A senior Islamabad police officer, serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Industrial Area, allegedly shot himself while on duty near the Serena checkpoint on Thursday.

According to police sources, SP Adeel Akbar sustained critical injuries and was rushed to PIMS Hospital by fellow personnel, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

Police officials have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Evidence has been collected from the scene.

A spokesperson for Islamabad police said the facts will be shared once the inquiry is complete. The motive behind the incident remains unclear, officials added.

According to sources, the SP was on security duty for the Pakistan and South Africa cricket teams near Serena Hotel when he reportedly took a rifle from a junior police official and shot himself.

Sources said SP Adeel Akbar snatched a weapon from his gunman and shot himself. His gunman and other police personnel present at the scene have been taken into custody.

According to sources, SP I-9 Adeel Akbar shot himself in the chest with a pistol after receiving a phone call.

Authorities are investigating who made the final call to the SP, while efforts are under way to retrieve data from his mobile phone.

Sources added that the SP’s operator has also been detained. Hospital officials confirmed that SP Industrial Area Adeel Akbar succumbed to his injuries caused by the gunshot.

Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi personally visited PIMS Hospital to oversee the post-mortem proceedings. The IG also took detailed briefings from the doctors regarding the late officer’s condition.

According to sources, SP Adeel Akbar had previously served in Balochistan. He was a 46th Common officer and hailed from Kamonki.

Islamabad police officers have recently been facing intense pressure and persistent challenges. Increasing security concerns in the capital, along with political activities and VVIP duties, have led to longer working hours and fewer opportunities for rest.

According to sources, police officers are experiencing psychological stress, mental fatigue, and a lack of balance in their family lives. Many personnel are forced to work 12 to 16 hours a day, while availing leave has also become increasingly difficult.

Officers say that limited resources, staff shortages, and pay disparities have further compounded their problems. Several officials have pointed out that the lack of modern training, psychological support, and adequate facilities has contributed to growing frustration and exhaustion within the force.

Senior retired police officers believe that while the Islamabad Police continues to face mounting security responsibilities and political pressure. There is also an urgent need to prioritise the welfare of its personnel to maintain the overall performance and morale of the force.

A psychological assessment of Islamabad Police officers and personnel attached to the Red Zone Commandos (RZC) was conducted in 2024 to evaluate their mental health, behavioural patterns, religious and sectarian inclinations, and any potential violent tendencies.

According to police officials, the test aimed to assess stress levels and maintain psychological profiles of the personnel. The evaluation was carried out by a panel that included professional psychologists.

Sources said the assessment was initiated following complaints and concerns from relevant quarters about rising mental stress and behavioural issues among some officers.

During the month-long process, several officials were found to be suffering from depression and were advised immediate counselling and psychological support. Instructions were also issued to ensure continued monitoring of the personnel’s mental well-being, the officials added.