A major development has emerged in the murder case of Dr Warda Mushtaq, an Abbottabad-based doctor, as suspect Adil confessed to her abduction and killing before a judicial magistrate, officials said.

Adil’s statement, recorded under Section 164, revealed that on the day of the murder, another accused, Shamraiz, instructed him to dig a pit.

Adil said he, along with a man named Faisal, dug the pit and subsequently buried Dr Warda’s body. Police said the murder was planned at a house in Shazman Colony.

Following the confession, Adil was produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Abbottabad, which granted a seven-day judicial remand and sent him to jail.

Authorities recovered key evidence based on Adil’s directions, including Dr Warda’s mobile phone, ATM card, driving licence, and passport-sized photographs.

A significant cache of weapons was also seized from Shamraiz’s residence, including a rocket launcher round, multiple rifles, and other firearms, according to SP Ayaz Khan.

Police have so far arrested five suspects in connection with the case.

Shamraiz, identified as the central figure, was killed in a police encounter on Thandiani Road near Mera Rehmat Khan Kunda after exchanging fire with law enforcement.

Two of Shamraiz’s associates remain at large, and raids are ongoing to apprehend them.

Dr Warda, who served at DHQ Hospital Abbottabad, was abducted and murdered, reportedly in a premeditated act by a close acquaintance.

DPO Abbottabad, Haroon Rasheed, said mobile data was instrumental in tracing the main suspect and recovering critical evidence.

Police operations continue to capture any remaining accomplices to ensure full accountability.