Police probe declares SP Adeel Akbar's death 'suicide'

The Islamabad police have completed an inquiry into the death of Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar, declaring that he died by suicide.

An inquiry committee of the recorded statements of SP Adeel Akbar’s driver and doctors who had been treating him, media reports said, citing sources.

The findings revealed that the officer had been suffering from deep-rooted stress, a psychological condition that does not necessarily arise from sudden incidents but often stems from long-term emotional or professional pressures.

According to the report, SP Adeel Akbar visited his doctor for a routine check-up on October 8. During the appointment, the doctor inquired about work-related stress, to which Akbar reportedly replied that he was “happy here.” However, the doctor later informed investigators that the SP was deeply disappointed over not receiving a promotion and had expressed suicidal thoughts multiple times. The doctor had even advised Akbar’s family to keep him away from firearms and sharp objects such as blades.

The inquiry also noted that Adeel Akbar had previously faced an internal inquiry in Balochistan, led by SSP Maroof. The then Additional Inspector General had penalised him following that inquiry. As a result, Akbar was denied promotion twice.

Around six weeks before his death, Akbar was transferred to Islamabad to improve his chances of promotion — reportedly at the request of his batchmate, SP Khurram. He was shoulder-promoted to the post of SP Industrial Area, where he was known to perform his duties diligently. He had also recently completed an assignment in Kashmir but did not take part in the Muridke operation.

Police surveillance data and statements show that about 90 minutes before the incident, Akbar spent 35 minutes driving around in his car before returning home. Shortly afterward, he called his driver and operator and went to the Secretariat for a scheduled meeting with a Section Officer from the Establishment Division.

At 4:23 p.m., the Section Officer informed Adeel Akbar over the phone that he had left for the day and suggested rescheduling the meeting. Akbar then made a U-turn toward the Foreign Office. His final phone call came from SP Saddar Yasir, during which they discussed a matter related to the Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) area.

Moments after ending that call, SP Adeel Akbar reportedly took the operator’s gun and ended his life.

The report concludes that long-standing professional stress, lack of promotion, and prior disciplinary action were significant contributing factors in the officer’s decision to commit suicide.