Dr Wardah Mushtaq murder has shaken Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as investigators piece together a story of betrayal, calculated deception and early police mishandling that ultimately cost the young doctor her life.
Dr Wardah vanished on 4 December after leaving DHQ Hospital Abbottabad. Her father immediately reported her missing at Cantonment Police Station, but the police response faltered. The former Station House Officer allegedly released the main suspect, Rida Jadoon, along with her husband, and withheld the case from the District Police Officer for two days.
That delay sparked public anger and raised serious questions about the initial handling of the report. Investigators nevertheless pressed forward. They reviewed CCTV footage, traced phone records and analysed technical data to map out her final movements. During this work, a dispute from 2023 resurfaced: Dr Wardah had handed 67 tola of gold to Rida as “amanat”. Police now believe that disagreement became the lure that pulled her into danger.
The gold dispute
According to investigators, Rida contacted Dr Wardah on 4 December and told her she intended to return the gold. She met her outside DHQ Hospital and took her to Rahman Street in Jadoon Plaza. An under-construction house had already been selected as the site of the crime. Inside, three men, identified as Shamraiz, Parvez and an unidentified accomplice were waiting.
Police state that Rida handed Dr Wardah to them and left the scene. From there, the case turned more sinister. Investigators say the gang killed Dr Wardah before burying her in a deep pit inside Lari Banota forest. After the burial, they attempted to erase evidence and disappear, assuming the investigation would stall.
Raids, arrests and the search for the alleged mastermind
The inquiry expanded quickly. Police questioned more than 35 people and carried out several raids across the region. The breakthrough came when Parvez, after his arrest, guided officers to the burial site. Under the supervision of the SP Investigation and DSP Headquarters, police exhumed the body and sent it for post-mortem.
Officers also recovered vehicles allegedly used in the abduction, along with stamp papers and cheques linked to the gold dispute.
Police have since arrested Rida Jadoon, Nadeem Zeb, Parvez, and another suspect. The search continues for Shamraiz, whom investigators describe as the gang leader. Special teams are now in Peshawar pursuing him.
Medical community demands justice
The medical community’s response has been swift and uncompromising.
The Young Doctors Association condemned the killing as a barbaric act that devastated the region. They announced a strike across Hazara Division today and a province-wide shutdown tomorrow.
All elective services remain suspended as they demand immediate arrest and strict punishment for every suspect, the suspension and dismissal of negligent police officers and the transfer of the body to DHQ Abbottabad for a transparent post-mortem.
The Young Nurses Association echoed the same demands. As the investigation enters its most crucial stage, the Dr Wardah Mushtaq killing has become a test of public confidence. Although police insist they will deliver justice.
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