Islamabad Police have apprehended a five-member gang suspected of murdering businessman Aamir Awan, a case that has raised significant security concerns in the capital. Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi described the investigation as a “major national-level operation,” emphasizing the intense public attention on the crime’s motive and execution.
Awan, who owned a Toyota dealership, was fatally shot earlier this month when armed assailants attacked his farmhouse located in Islamabad’s Shehzad Town. Following the incident, police established 17 investigation teams overseen by the operations chief. Authorities utilized geofencing at six locations, analyzed 137 phone calls within 23 hours of the crime, and reviewed footage from approximately 250 CCTV cameras.
Investigators also incorporated artificial intelligence tools to track down the suspects. In total, 93 individuals were interrogated, and 31 raids were conducted across several cities. The suspects, led by Mansoor Khan, were arrested in Charsadda after coordinated operations in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Mardan. The group operated across provincial borders and was involved in robberies in both Punjab and Islamabad.
Officials revealed that two gang members are Afghan nationals. Known as the “bulletproof gang,” this group reportedly carried out robberies while wearing bulletproof jackets and was armed with Kalashnikov rifles. They also took one weapon from the farmhouse during the attack.
Inspector General Rizvi stated that the case would be presented to the National Police Academy as a model investigation, highlighting that critical breakthroughs were made within 24 hours of the crime.
In a related development, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry acknowledged the business community’s concerns following the killing but praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for enhancing policing through technology, including safe city cameras and digital tracking systems. Chaudhry noted a 63 percent reduction in serious crime in Islamabad and said authorities are closely monitoring major cases as part of efforts to transform the capital into a “smart city.”
The murder of Aamir Awan occurred when five armed men forcibly entered his Shehzad Town farmhouse and opened fire inside his bedroom, killing him instantly. The incident sparked serious questions about security in the capital, especially since it took place in a high-security zone amid heightened alert due to the presence of foreign dignitaries.
CCTV footage capturing the attackers entering the residence provided crucial leads. However, the audacity of the attack raised widespread concern about how heavily armed suspects managed to breach security measures and escape.
