Property dealer murder: probe widens over female suspect’s alleged links to top officials

ISLAMABAD: The murder investigation of a property dealer in Islamabad’s upscale F-6/1 Sector has taken a new turn after investigators expanded the scope of inquiry following the recovery and forensic analysis of a mobile phone belonging to the prime female suspect, sources said.

The case centres on the abduction and killing of 30-year-old property dealer Farukh Afzal, who was kidnapped from outside his residence in Islamabad’s upscale F-6/1 sector on May 4, according to a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by his father.

Police said that armed men forced Afzal into a vehicle late at night before fleeing the scene. The case was initially registered under kidnapping for ransom provisions at Kohsar Police Station.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, digital forensic examination of the suspect’s device has revealed extensive call records, contact lists and messaging data allegedly linked to civil bureaucrats, police personnel, and other serving and retired officers.

Sources said the data includes communication links with individuals in government circles, prompting investigators to broaden the inquiry to examine possible networks of influence and facilitation.

Investigators are also examining alleged links between the female suspect, identified as, Mahnoor Shahid, and a serving senior official posted in Islamabad, while a powerful officer from Punjab is also under review as part of the probe, according to sources.

A journalist is also being investigated for allegedly facilitating communication between the suspect and certain officials.

Sources further said multiple social media videos circulating online allegedly show the suspect attending private gatherings and night-time parties. The authenticity of the footage could not be confirmed independently.

Law enforcement officials said the suspect is also believed to have operated multiple business fronts, including spa and wellness centres in Islamabad’s sectors F-10, G-11 and E-11, which are now being examined as part of the broader investigation.

Officials said the widening inquiry has raised questions over possible access networks and influence channels, though they stressed that all leads remain under verification and no conclusions have been drawn.

Intelligence agencies are also reviewing whether the suspect’s alleged connections with influential figures and officials were part of a coordinated network or involved external facilitation, sources said.

Investigators are currently analysing call detail records, WhatsApp chats and social media activity as part of the digital forensic probe, with officials indicating that further developments are expected as evidence is processed.

Separately, police said preparations were under way to present the arrested suspects — including the main female accused, a lawyer and an alleged shooter constable identified as Saifullah — before the court.

The investigation is being conducted jointly by police and relevant agencies, officials said, as the case continues to evolve.

Earlier harassment complaints surface

The case has also drawn attention to two earlier First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by Mahnoor Shahid, who had accused several individuals, including Ahsan Ahmed Bhutta, Kashif Shah and Farrukh Chaudhry, of harassment, abduction attempts and physical assault between August and December 2025.

In one FIR registered at Shalimar Police Station (No 865/25), Shahid alleged she was attacked, followed and robbed of mobile phones on multiple occasions, including an incident in which she was allegedly slapped and assaulted near F-11 Markaz.

Statement of Complainant (FIR 865/25)

To the SHO, Police Station Shalimar, Islamabad:

“I, Mahnoor Shahid, resident of Sector F-11/3, state that Ahsan Ahmed Advocate has made my life miserable. He allegedly confined me in a house in Sector F-6/1 on the basis of a forged marriage certificate (Nikah Nama). Since I left that house and returned to live with my mother in F-11/3, he has continued to stalk and harass me and my family.

On a daily basis, he arrives with associates Kashif Shah Tani, Vakeel, and Farrukh Chaudhry, along with an unidentified individual. They intercept me, brandish pistols and harass me. They follow me in vehicles including a black Corolla (GAB-756) and a white Corolla (GAS-588). On one occasion at around 09:45pm, they allegedly attacked me and my mother, after which I called police helpline (15) and received medical assistance.

They continue to issue threats to kill me and my brother. Ahsan Ahmed has also threatened to throw acid on my face. A third silver vehicle (RJ-40) is also reportedly used to follow and monitor me. They attempt to forcibly abduct me at gunpoint outside my residence.

I request strict legal action and protection.”

In another FIR (No 1280/25), she alleged stalking, threats and attempted forced confinement in Sector F-6/1 under a disputed marriage claim, which she described as fraudulent.

She further alleged repeated interception of her movements, tracking through vehicles, and threats of violence, including acid attacks.

Statement of Complainant (FIR 1280/25)

To the SSP, Islamabad:

“I, Mahnoor Shahid, a resident of Swabi currently residing in F-11, Islamabad, and working as a Sub-Editor in the Transportation Department, state that Ahsan Ahmed Bhutta previously kept me in a state of confinement as a ‘captive wife’ on the basis of a forged marriage certificate. I am now living separately; however, he continues to harass me, leaving me mentally distressed and at times suicidal.

Chronology of incidents

She further said that on July 31, 2025 (10:10pm) while she was at ‘Watson’ in F-11 Markaz, “Ahsan Ahmed Bhutta and Kashif Shah allegedly snatched my iPhone 13 Pro Max and Vivo Y03. The phone was smashed before they fled. An ASI reviewed CCTV footage, but the shop owner later refused to provide it.”

She further said on August 8, 2025 (9:50pm), while she was near Safa Heights, Ahsan Ahmed, Kashif Shah and Farrukh Chaudhry allegedly blocked my path. I was slapped, my hair was pulled and my head was struck against a vehicle. I lost consciousness and was taken to PIMS Hospital.

She said that on August 16, 2025 (10:30pm), the accused arrived outside my residence in a grey Toyota (RJ-40), blocked the street, filmed my house and monitored movements before fleeing when a car honked.

I request strict legal action and protection. If any harm is caused to me or my family, the accused shall be responsible.”

Police said both FIRs were registered under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, including criminal intimidation and assault, and are part of the broader investigation.

Earlier, senior police officer SP City Ayaz Hussain said that Safe City Islamabad surveillance footage helped trace the vehicle (used for kidnapping) towards the motorway, eventually leading to Swabi Interchange.

Investigators later determined that the vehicle carried a fake number plate but was equipped with an electronic tracking tag, allowing police to identify its registration details.

Further analysis of the victim’s mobile phone data reportedly revealed repeated calls linked to a woman, whose location was traced to Swabi and Mardan around the time of the incident.

Police have since arrested two suspects, including a woman named Mahnoor Shahid and a serving KP police constable, in separate operations. The woman has been sent to jail on judicial remand, while the second suspect was arrested from Swat on transit remand following court approval.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing and multiple angles, including financial motives and personal disputes, are being examined.