A senior Islamabad police officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Industrial Area Adeel Akbar, allegedly shot himself near the Serena checkpoint on Thursday while on security duty. According to police sources, the officer sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to PIMS Hospital, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Evidence has been collected from the scene, and the SP’s gunman, along with other personnel present at the time, has been taken into custody.
Initial reports suggest that SP Adeel Akbar took a weapon from his subordinate and shot himself after receiving a phone call. Investigators are currently trying to trace the caller and recover data from the officer’s mobile phone.
Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi visited PIMS Hospital to oversee post-mortem proceedings and obtain briefings from doctors.
SP Adeel Akbar, a 46th Common officer originally from Kamonki, had previously served in Balochistan. Sources indicate that he had been deployed on special security duty for the Pakistan and South Africa cricket teams at the time of the incident.
The tragedy has renewed attention to the mounting stress and psychological challenges faced by Islamabad police officers. Increasing security demands, political duties, and prolonged working hours—often 12 to 16 hours daily—have led to fatigue, frustration, and burnout within the force. Limited resources, staff shortages, and inadequate mental health support further exacerbate the problem.
A psychological assessment conducted in 2024 revealed several officers suffering from depression, prompting calls for consistent counselling and welfare measures. Senior officials and retired officers stress the urgent need for psychological support and improved working conditions to prevent further tragedies within the Islamabad Police.
