A mysterious death has shaken the Islamabad Police after I-9 SP Adeel Akbar was found dead inside his car on Constitution Avenue. The 35-year-old officer, originally from Kamoke, suffered a fatal bullet wound to the head.
Authorities are investigating whether it was a case of suicide or an accident.
According to the postmortem conducted at PIMS Hospital, the bullet struck SP Adeel Akbar on the forehead and exited through the back of his skull, causing severe brain damage that led to his death. His body was later handed over to his family after funeral prayers at the Police Lines.
Adeel Akbar, who served as the superintendent of police in I-9 area, leaves behind a one-year-old infant daughter.
Initial police statement and investigation
Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi said the SP was shot while travelling to his office in his official vehicle. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stating, “It would be premature to call the incident a suicide or an accident. We are investigating it from every angle.”
A three-member high-level committee, led by Safe City DG Haroon Joyia, has been constituted to probe the incident. DIG (Operations) Jawad Tariq and DIG (Security) Atiq Tahir are also part of the team.
Investigators focus on forensic evidence
The investigation began with the questioning of the SP’s driver, while Adeel Akbar’s operator was taken into custody for further inquiry. All relevant Safe City footage from the area has been secured, and forensic analysis is underway.
IGP Rizvi confirmed that the officer’s mobile phone, currently locked, will also be examined forensically. “No final conclusion can be drawn until the forensic and digital reports are complete,” he added.
Conflicting reports on possible suicide
While early media reports suggested suicide, citing police sources, officials have refrained from confirming it. According to preliminary information, SP Adeel had allegedly took a pistol from his staff near a private hotel and shot himself in the chest before being rushed to the Polyclinic Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He was a member of the 46th Common of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and had served in nine different postings within Islamabad Police.
Official reactions and ongoing inquiry
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry reached PIMS Hospital soon after the incident. He confirmed that “a detailed investigation is underway” and that “final details will be shared once the inquiry is complete.”
The Islamabad IGP stated that Safe City footage revealed no external involvement so far. “The incident took place inside the vehicle,” he said, emphasizing that all aspects, including accident, suicide, and foul play, remain under review.
Following the postmortem, SP Adeel Akbar’s funeral prayers were held at Police Lines in Islamabad, attended by senior police officials. His body was later transported to his native town, Kamoke, for burial.
