Dr Warda murder case: court grants three-day physical remand extension

WEB DESK:  A local court has granted police a further three-day physical remand of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Dr Warda.

The accused, who had already completed an initial three-day remand period, were presented before the judicial magistrate today. Following the police’s request for an extension to continue their investigation, the court approved an additional three days of physical remand.

The case involves the tragic killing of Dr Warda, which has drawn significant public attention. Authorities are investigating the motives and circumstances behind the crime. The extended remand will allow investigators to pursue further questioning and evidence collection.

The suspects will be presented again before the court upon the expiry of the newly granted remand period. Further legal proceedings in the case are expected to follow.

Earlier an anti-terrorism court had granted police a three-day physical remand for suspects arrested in the murder. The post-mortem report confirmed she died from strangulation after being tortured. While several suspects, including the prime suspect’s husband, are in custody, the key accused, Shamrez, remains at large, fueling public anger. This has led to protests by doctors and hospital staff across the province, with strikes suspending medical services in multiple districts including Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Upper Hazara.

Amid the outcry, the district administration sealed clothing shops owned by the Balla family to prevent unrest. Police officials stated a Special Investigation Team is pursuing all angles and working to arrest facilitators. Concurrently, the Cantt Police Station SHO was replaced. Provincial Health Minister Khaleequr Rehman visited the victim’s family and hospital staff, condemning the killing as a horrific tragedy and assuring full government support and a transparent investigation by a newly formed Joint Investigation Team (JIT). Protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of the remaining suspect and accountability for local police officials, chanting slogans for exemplary punishment. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and the safety of healthcare workers.