The Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case has taken a significant turn as Abbottabad police announced major recoveries and arrests, shedding new light on the brutal abduction and killing of the young medical officer. The latest developments have intensified public attention on the investigation, which has shaken the medical community and raised serious concerns about trust, safety, and crime involving close acquaintances.
Dr Warda Mushtaq, a medical officer at Abbottabad DHQ Hospital, was abducted on December 4 from outside the hospital premises. Her disappearance initially sparked alarm among colleagues and family members. Four days later, her body was recovered near the Lari Binota area on Thandiani Road, confirming fears of a tragic outcome and turning the case into one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory.
According to police officials, the Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case revolves around a financial dispute involving 67 tolas of gold. Investigators revealed that Dr Warda had entrusted the gold to a close friend, Rida Jadoon, for safekeeping. This relationship of trust ultimately became the motive behind the crime. Authorities believe Rida lured Dr Warda under the pretext of returning the gold, a plan that ended in her abduction and murder.
In a major breakthrough announced on Monday, Abbottabad police recovered a substantial quantity of gold from the husband of the prime suspect, Rida Jadoon. In addition to the gold, cheques worth more than Rs12.3 million were seized during the operation. Police also confiscated ten gold receipts, further strengthening the financial trail connected to the crime. These recoveries are being described as crucial evidence in the Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case, helping investigators piece together the planning and execution of the offense.
Law enforcement officials also recovered the murder weapon — a rope allegedly used to strangle Dr Warda — based on information provided by the arrested suspects. According to investigators, Dr Warda was taken to an under-construction house in Jinnahabad shortly after her abduction. Shockingly, she was killed within an hour of being taken there, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
So far, police have arrested four suspects in connection with the Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case. These include prime suspect Rida Jadoon, her employees Nadeem and Pervaiz, and her husband Waheed, who is also a relative of Nadeem. Following the completion of a six-day physical remand, Rida and Waheed were presented before a special anti-terrorism court and have now been sent to judicial remand.
Another key suspect, Shamraiz the uncle of Nadeem had been on the run since the case came to light. According to media reports, Shamraiz was killed in a shootout with police two days ago. Authorities claim he opened fire while attempting to escape, forcing police to retaliate. His death has added another dramatic chapter to an already complex investigation.
Police sources further confirmed that two vehicles used during the abduction and disposal of the body have also been seized. These vehicles are believed to have played a key role in transporting Dr Warda from the hospital to the crime scene and later to the location where her body was dumped. Forensic analysis of the vehicles is underway and is expected to provide additional evidence.
The Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case has sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan, particularly among doctors and healthcare professionals. Many have demanded stricter security measures at hospitals and harsher punishments for crimes involving abuse of trust. Social media platforms have also been flooded with calls for swift justice, with users expressing grief and anger over the loss of a young doctor who dedicated her life to serving others.
Investigators say a strong challan is being prepared to ensure the accused are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Police officials remain confident that the evidence collected so far including gold, financial documents, forensic material, and confessions will result in convictions.
As the investigation continues, the Dr Warda Mushtaq murder case stands as a grim reminder of how greed and betrayal can lead to irreversible tragedy. Authorities have assured the public that no effort will be spared to bring all those involved to justice and to ensure that such a crime does not go unpunished.
