Funeral Held at Police Lines in Islamabad
The funeral prayer of Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar was offered at the Police Lines headquarters in Islamabad on Thursday, with hundreds of mourners in attendance. Further details about the tragic case can be found in the related report, Senior Islamabad Police Officer Dies in Alleged Suicide.
The solemn ceremony drew senior government and police officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Ali Nasir Rizvi, officers from various law enforcement agencies, and a large number of citizens.
Following the funeral prayer, SP Akbar’s body was transported with full state honors to his ancestral village in Kamoki, Punjab, where he was laid to rest amid tears and prayers from family, friends, and colleagues.
A Promising Officer Gone Too Soon
According to police sources, SP Adeel Akbar reportedly took his own life on Wednesday evening near Serena Chowk, an area close to the capital’s Red Zone. He was on official duty at the time.
Initial reports suggest that the officer was sitting in his official vehicle when he received a phone call. Moments later, he allegedly took a service pistol from his staff and shot himself.
He was rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in critical condition, but despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
SP Akbar was a member of the 46th Common batch of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and had recently been appointed as Joint Head of Police for the Industrial Area in Islamabad.
Academic and Personal Background
Adeel Akbar was known among colleagues for his professionalism and commitment to service. He held an MPhil degree in Governance and Public Policy from the prestigious National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad.
Friends and associates described him as a soft-spoken and hardworking officer who was deeply dedicated to his duties.
He leaves behind a young wife and a one-year-old daughter.
Allegations of Work-Related Stress
Sources close to the investigation told local media that SP Akbar had been facing professional stress in recent months. He was reportedly experiencing depression due to delays in his promotion within the police service.
Pakistan’s police force, like many public institutions, is often criticized for its rigid hierarchy and slow promotion process. Officers sometimes spend years waiting for advancement, which can lead to frustration and mental strain.
Mental health challenges among law enforcement officers in Pakistan are rarely discussed openly. However, experts have repeatedly urged authorities to introduce regular counseling, psychological support, and stress management programs to prevent such tragedies.
According to a 2022 study by the National Police Bureau, nearly 35% of police officers in Pakistan report symptoms of anxiety or depression, often linked to overwork, long duty hours, and lack of institutional support.
Investigation Underway
Islamabad Police have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding SP Akbar’s death.
A three-member committee, led by the Inspector General (IG) himself, has been formed to determine the sequence of events leading to the incident. The committee will analyze CCTV footage, forensic evidence from the officer’s mobile phone, and statements from eyewitnesses.
Officials said the inquiry aims to establish whether any external factors, including official pressure or personal grievances, may have contributed to the tragedy.
The findings of the committee are expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior within a week.
Outpouring of Grief and Condolences
The death of SP Adeel Akbar has sent shockwaves through the police community and the public alike. Social media was flooded with messages of condolence and tributes to the late officer.
Colleagues described him as an honest, disciplined, and compassionate leader who maintained strong relations with both subordinates and the public.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death, promising full transparency in the investigation and urging the police force to prioritize mental well-being among its ranks.
SP Adeel Akbar’s loss is a tragedy not just for the police but for the entire nation, Chaudhry said after attending the funeral. We must ensure such incidents do not happen again.
A Call for Institutional Reform
The incident has reignited debate about workplace stress and the psychological challenges faced by Pakistan’s police officers.
Advocates for reform say there is an urgent need for mental health counseling units, peer support systems, and confidential reporting mechanisms within law enforcement institutions.
As investigations continue, many in the capital hope SP Adeel Akbar’s death will spark long-overdue conversations on improving mental health care and professional support within Pakistan’s police service.
