Table of Contents
Introduction
The brutal murder of young doctor Dr. Warda Mushtaq has shaken Pakistan, raising painful questions about women’s safety, rising betrayal within trusted relationships, and the slow justice system. What happened to her is not just a crime — it is a national tragedy that demands truth, accountability, and a louder collective voice for justice.
This article explains who Dr. Warda was, why she was murdered, who was involved, and what the police press conference revealed about the case.
Who Was Dr. Warda Mushtaq?
Dr. Warda was a dedicated medical professional working at DHQ Hospital Abbottabad. Known for her kindness, hard work, and strong family values, she was a bright young woman with dreams of progressing in her medical career. Colleagues remember her as:
- Responsible
- Gentle
- Soft-spoken
- Deeply committed to patient care
Her sudden disappearance and shocking murder left the entire medical community devastated.
Disappearance: The Beginning of the Case
Last Seen at DHQ Hospital
On December 4, at approximately 8:45 PM, Dr. Warda was last seen leaving DHQ Hospital with her close friend Rida Jadoun. CCTV cameras later confirmed both women entering Jadoon (Doon) Plaza, where Rida’s under-construction property is located.
Missing Report & FIR
Her father, Mushtaq Ahmed, filed a missing person report when Warda didn’t return home.
On December 5, police registered an FIR under Section 365 (kidnapping) against:
- Rida
- Rida’s husband
- Other unidentified individuals
The Motive Behind the Murder
67 Tolas of Gold: A Betrayed Trust
Two years earlier, Dr. Warda had entrusted 67 tolas of gold to Rida for safekeeping before traveling abroad.
When she returned, she repeatedly asked Rida to return her gold — but Rida delayed, made excuses, and avoided repayment.
The Trap
On the day of the murder, Rida told Dr. Warda:
“Come today, I will return all your gold.”
Believing her friend, Warda went with her — unaware that a planned conspiracy awaited.
How the Murder Happened
According to police investigations:
- Rida lured Warda to her under-construction house in Jadoon Plaza.
- There, she handed Warda over to two accomplices:
- Shamrez (main accused, still wanted)
- Nadeem (facilitator)
- Warda was killed within 30 minutes of her disappearance.
- The cause appears to be strangulation, although post-mortem reports are being finalized.
- Her body was transported in a vehicle and buried inside a deep ditch in Thandiani Lari Banota, a forested area.
Recovery of the Body
On the morning of December 6, around 8:45 AM, police successfully recovered the body after one of the arrested suspects, Pervez, revealed the burial location during interrogation.
Her body was moved to DHQ Hospital for post-mortem examination and later handed over to her grieving family.
Police Press Conference: Key Revelations
District Police Officer (DPO) Haroon Rasheed held a detailed press conference explaining the investigation.
1. Fast Police Action
- Case solved within 24 hours
- Multiple raids in Abbottabad and Peshawar
- More than 10–35 suspects interrogated
- Three main accused arrested:
- Rida Jadoun
- Nadeem Zeb
- Pervez
2. The Murder Plot
The DPO confirmed:
- The murder happened inside Rida’s own property.
- The motive was financial greed and misuse of the entrusted gold.
- Some gold may have already been sold or mortgaged.
- Police recovered documentation, stamp papers, and bounced cheques connected to the gold.
3. The Suspect Still at Large
- Shamrez, with a criminal background, is the main killer.
- He and Pervez were previously involved in another 302 (murder) case.
4. JIT Formation
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) is being formed with:
- An SP-rank officer
- Legal experts
- Forensic specialists
to ensure transparency and strict legal action.
Public Reaction and Protests
Her murder sparked outrage in Abbottabad and across Pakistan.
Doctors & Health Staff Protest
Doctors at DHQ Hospital:
- Boycotted OPD services
- Blocked Karakoram Highway
- Demanded immediate justice
- Accused police of “delayed action”
Nurses, paramedics, and hospital workers also joined the protests.
Civil Society Condemnation
Organizations and political leaders strongly condemned the murder, stating that:
“This case exposes how unsafe women are in Pakistan.”
Why This Case Matters
The murder of Dr. Warda is not an isolated tragedy — it reflects a painful truth:
- Women remain unsafe, even with close friends.
- Trust can be exploited for financial gain.
- Criminals with past records continue to roam freely.
- Justice often comes after unimaginable suffering.
This case is a wake-up call for society and law enforcement to ensure stronger protection for women, faster investigations, and stricter punishments for offenders.
Formal Appeal for Justice — Addressed to the Prime Minister, President of Pakistan, and the Honorable Superior Judiciary
Formal Appeal for Justice — Addressed to the Prime Minister, President of Pakistan, and the Honorable Superior Judiciary
Conclusion:
A Call for Justice
Formal Appeal for Justice — Addressed to the Prime Minister, President of Pakistan, and the Honorable Superior Judiciary
To the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan, and the Chief Justice of the High Court:
We write to you with deep grief and urgency. The murder of Dr. Warda Mushtaq has exposed the vulnerability of innocent citizens, especially women in professional fields. We humbly request your intervention to ensure a fair investigation, full accountability, and a punishment that reflects the severity of this heinous crime. The nation looks toward you for decisive action that restores trust in our judicial and security systems.
We beg you — please deliver justice for Dr. Warda.
Dr. Warda’s life was full of promise, purpose, and compassion. She didn’t deserve this brutal end.
Her family, colleagues, and the entire nation demand only one thing:
Justice.
Justice not only for her, but for every woman who fears betrayal, violence, and insecurity.
Her story must not fade — it must become the reason we fight for safer homes, safer workplaces, and a safer Pakista