ABBOTTABAD: The murder case of Dr Warda Mushtaq took a new turn after the main suspect was killed in an alleged police encounter while another suspect confessed to his crime before the judicial magistrate here on Monday.

However, three other accused have denied all the charges linking them to the murder.

The police on Monday presented the four accused – Rida Jadoon, her husband Waheed alias Billa, Nadeem and Pervez – before the judicial magistrate after completion of their physical remand. During the proceedings, Rida and Waheed rejected all allegations linking them to the crime. Accused Nadeem also pleaded not guilty and denied any involvement in the case. However, Pervez recorded a confessional statement before the magistrate, which investigators believe could play a significant role in the prosecution and further investigation of the case.

The police sought further extension of the physical remand of the accused. However, the special anti-terrorism court rejected the police request and ordered that all accused be sent to jail on judicial remand.

The prime accused, Shamrez, was killed in an alleged police encounter late Sunday night. According to police, the encounter took place in Maira Rahmat Khan area near Thandiani in the jurisdiction of Nawanshehr police station, during a joint operation by cantonment and Nawanshehr police teams to arrest the fugitive suspect.

Police officials said Shamrez’s accomplices opened fire on the police party during the operation. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Shamrez was allegedly struck by bullets fired by his own associates and died on the spot, while two accomplices managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

A pistol along with ammunition was recovered from the scene, the officials said.

The body of the accused was shifted to Ayub Teaching Hospital for postmortem, and a separate case has been registered against the absconding suspects.

Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused.

Meanwhile, the death of the prime accused before his trial has raised concerns among legal circles and the public, as he was believed to possess critical information regarding the planning, execution, and facilitation of the crime.

As the trial continues, the court is expected to closely scrutinise the available evidence, confessional statements, and the police investigation to ensure that all those responsible for the murder of Dr Warda Mushtaq are brought to justice through due legal process.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025