The inquiry into the murder of property dealer Farukh Afzal, who was abducted and killed in Islamabad’s upscale F-6/1 sector, has broadened following the forensic examination of a mobile phone linked to the prime female suspect. Afzal, aged 30, was kidnapped outside his residence on May 4, with armed men forcing him into a vehicle late at night before fleeing the scene. The case was initially registered under kidnapping for ransom at Kohsar Police Station.
Digital forensic analysis of the suspect’s device revealed extensive call logs, contact lists, and messaging data connecting her to civil bureaucrats, police personnel, and other serving and retired officials. This discovery prompted investigators to expand the scope of the probe to explore possible networks of influence and facilitation involving government circles.
Notably, the female suspect, identified as Mahnoor Shahid, is under scrutiny for her alleged ties to a senior official posted in Islamabad, while a powerful officer from Punjab is also being examined as part of the investigation. Additionally, a journalist is being probed for possibly facilitating communication between the suspect and certain officials.
Multiple social media videos purportedly show Mahnoor attending private gatherings and nighttime parties, though the authenticity of these clips remains unverified. Law enforcement officials also revealed that she may have operated several business fronts, including spa and wellness centers located in Islamabad’s sectors F-10, G-11, and E-11, which are now under investigation.
Intelligence agencies are evaluating whether the suspect’s alleged connections with influential figures form part of a coordinated network or involve external facilitation. The ongoing digital forensic probe includes analysis of call detail records, WhatsApp chats, and social media activity, with further developments anticipated as evidence is processed.
Meanwhile, police are preparing to present the arrested suspects—including the main female accused, a lawyer, and an alleged shooter constable named Saifullah—before the court. The investigation is a joint effort by police and relevant agencies as the case continues to evolve.
In a significant development, two prior FIRs filed by Mahnoor Shahid have come to light. These complaints, lodged between August and December 2025, accuse individuals including Ahsan Ahmed Bhutta, Kashif Shah, and Farrukh Chaudhry of harassment, abduction attempts, and physical assault. One FIR, registered at Shalimar Police Station (No. 865/25), details incidents where Shahid was attacked, followed, and robbed of mobile phones, including an episode involving physical assault near F-11 Markaz.
In her statement, Shahid claimed that Ahsan Ahmed Advocate confined her based on a forged marriage certificate and continued to stalk and harass her and her family after she left. She described daily threats, including attempts to abduct her at gunpoint and threats of acid attacks, requesting strict legal action and protection.
Another FIR (No. 1280/25) similarly alleges stalking, threats, and forced confinement attempts under a disputed marriage claim. Shahid also provided a chronology of incidents, such as a phone theft and assault in F-11 Markaz, a violent attack near Safa Heights resulting in hospitalization, and surveillance of her residence by accused individuals.
Police confirmed both FIRs are registered under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and form part of the broader investigation. Earlier, senior police official SP City Ayaz Hussain noted that Safe City Islamabad surveillance footage helped trace the kidnapping vehicle towards the motorway, leading to Swabi Interchange. The vehicle was found to have a fake number plate but was equipped with an electronic tracking device, enabling police to identify its registration details.
Further analysis of the victim’s mobile data revealed repeated calls to a woman whose location was traced to Swabi and Mardan around the time of the incident. Following separate operations, two suspects were arrested: Mahnoor Shahid and a serving KP police constable. Shahid has been sent to jail on judicial remand, while the constable was arrested from Swat on transit remand after court approval.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple angles including financial motives and personal disputes under consideration as new evidence emerges.
