Court extends suspects' police remand in Abbottabad doctor murder case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has extended the police remand of four suspects in the kidnapping and murder case of Dr Warda Mushtaq.

The remand was extended for an additional three days as police continue their investigation. 

The accused, Rida, her husband Abdul Waheed, Nadeem and Parvez, were presented before the ATC under tight security after their initial three-day physical remand expired. Police had sought a 20-day extension to further investigate, but the court granted three more days of custody. 

The FIR has been registered under sections 365 (kidnapping), 302 (murder), 200, 201/34 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, for the abduction and killing of the doctor. 

Despite the remand extension, the main suspect, identified as Shamrez, remains missing nine days after Dr Warda’s death. Police have tasked three special teams with his arrest, but all mobile phone numbers linked to him are currently switched off.

The KP government has also constituted a JIT to oversee the high-profile case. The JIT has met with the victim’s family members, assuring them of a transparent and fair investigation, and noted significant evidence presented by the family during their discussions. 

The murder of Dr Warda, whose disappearance prompted widespread public concern and protests, has drawn intense media and public attention demanding justice as soon as possible.