The court approved a three-day physical remand, handing the accused over to police for further investigation.
The courtroom proceedings took an unsettling turn when prosecutors confirmed that anti terrorism charges had been added, a decision made in the wake of widespread protests by young doctors across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The move reflects mounting pressure on authorities to take decisive action amid what medical workers describe as an alarming pattern of insecurity.
Across the province, including Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Malakand, the Young Doctors Association (YDA) continued its strike for a second day. Doctors have boycotted all services except emergency care, standing in solidarity to voice their uncompromising demand for safer workplaces.
Hospital corridors remained eerily quiet, embodying an unsettling calm as doctors reiterated that their fragile trust in the provincial government has been deeply rattled.
‘This tragedy is a stark reminder of how vulnerable healthcare workers have become,’ the YDA said, expressing simmering frustration over what they call years of ignored security appeals.
According to Abbottabad DPO Haroon Rashid, the investigation has uncovered harrowing details. Dr. Wardah was allegedly lured by her close friend, Rida Jadoon, who took her from the hospital on Thursday. Shockingly, police state that the victim was murdered within half an hour of being abducted.
The body was later recovered at the suspects’ indication, revealing the grim revelation that the killing was linked to 67 tolas of gold that Dr. Wardah had reportedly entrusted to Rida since 2023.
Police allege that Rida took the doctor to her under-construction house, where she was handed over to other suspects, who then transported her to Lari Banota and killed her.
One suspect, Shamraiz, remains at large. Officers say a relentless pursuit is underway, with raids being conducted in multiple locations.
Dr. Wardah’s funeral prayers, offered in Rehmatabad last night, drew a large crowd united in collective grief. The community has been left shaken by the grim circumstances surrounding her death.
Authorities now face pressing concerns as protests grow and public patience wears thin. Many believe this case marks a pivotal moment, demanding stepped-up measures to restore confidence and prevent such tragedies from becoming a recurring pattern.
