A wave of grief and anxiety has spread across the region after the body of Dr. Wardah Mushtaq, who went missing from the DHQ Hospital in Abbottabad, a major tourist city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was recovered from the forests of Lari Banota, Thandiani.
Police reached the site and took the body into custody, while identification and forensic procedures are currently underway. Initial evidence and suspects’ confessions indicate that the body is indeed that of Dr. Wardah.
Dr. Wardah had left the hospital a few days ago with a close friend, carrying 67 tolas of gold entrusted to her. Police have arrested the prime suspect, Rida, her husband Waheed Billa, and an accomplice, Nadeem, while raids are ongoing to detain the remaining accused.
Questions on police performance
Early investigations revealed that the former SHO of Cantt Police Station had prematurely released the main suspect Rida and her husband, and did not inform the DPO about the case for two days—drawing intense criticism.
After the DPO intervened, the suspects were re-arrested. During interrogation, Rida confessed that she had taken Dr. Wardah from the DHQ in her car to a house in Jadoon Plaza, where dangerous drug dealers and robbers were present.
According to the suspect, Dr. Wardah was then taken in a Suzuki vehicle by Nadeem and the gang leader, Shamrez, to an unknown location. The Nawan Shehar Police arrested Nadeem and, based on his information, launched a large-scale search operation in the Thandiani forests. Police believe Dr. Wardah was murdered.
Protest
The Doctors’ Association has announced strong protests over Dr. Wardah’s tragic death and has suspended all medical services at Abbottabad DHQ Hospital. Protests by doctors and paramedical staff are also underway in Haripur, where demonstrators have blocked Dhenda Road.
Protesters are demanding that a terrorism case be registered against the killers and that the DPO Abbottabad and the hospital’s Medical Superintendent be immediately suspended.
Public and family demand justice
Dr. Wardah’s parents and close relatives are in deep shock, while local residents are calling for swift justice.
Police have stated that key developments will be shared in the coming hours, but the recovery of the body and the ongoing search operation have created a sense of fear and unrest among the public.
