The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer for the horrific murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukadam, marking a significant legal milestone in a case that has gripped the nation since July 2021. The Noor Mukadam case has been emblematic of the country’s struggle against gender-based violence and its quest for justice. The verdict comes after nearly four years of legal proceedings and public outcry.
Zahir Jaffer was convicted of premeditated murder under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code, a charge previously confirmed by both the trial court and the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The Supreme Court, while maintaining the death penalty for the murder charge, converted a second death sentence—originally imposed for rape—into life imprisonment. The earlier sentence of 25 years under Section 376 was modified by the IHC to a death sentence, which the top court has now revised. The kidnapping charge under Section 364 was also revised, reducing Zahir’s sentence from 10 years to one year.
Despite these changes, the apex court reaffirmed the directive for Zahir to pay Rs 500,000 to Noor’s legal heir, with the trial court having also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000. While the ruling solidifies Zahir’s conviction, the only possible avenue for relief remains a presidential pardon under Article 45 of the Constitution.
The appeals of two co-accused — watchman Mohammad Iftikhar and gardener Jan Mohammad — were also addressed. The 10-year sentences were reduced, with the court declaring their detention served. This decision was influenced by their minor roles and the argument that they had merely been present during the incident. Their release was ordered following the judgment.
Noor’s brutal murder took place on July 20, 2021, at Zahir’s residence in Islamabad’s upscale Sector F-7/4. She had been held in captivity for 40 hours, tortured, and then beheaded. The initial FIR was filed by her father, Shaukat Mukadam, who had searched for his daughter only to receive a call from the Kohsar Police Station confirming her death. Upon arriving at the crime scene, he identified her body, which bore signs of extreme violence and a fatal attack with a sharp-edged weapon.
Following Zahir’s arrest at the crime scene, his parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamji, and six employees of Therapy Works were also taken into custody on charges of trying to cover up the crime. However, all were later acquitted due to lack of evidence. The Supreme Court is still expected to issue a short order on Shaukat’s appeal challenging the acquittal of Zahir’s father.
The case proceedings have not been free from controversy. Judges made remarks implying Noor’s actions were against societal values for spending time alone with Zahir, which women’s rights activists have strongly condemned. Farzana Bari noted that such views reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and undermine victims’ pursuit of justice. Another activist, Tahira Abdullah, hailed the verdict as a victory against patriarchy and sexism.
Outside the courtroom, Noor’s childhood friend, Shafaq Zaidi, said the ruling offers hope and strength to women across Pakistan, reinforcing faith in the justice system. During the hearings, the prosecution argued passionately that no mercy should be extended for such a heinous crime, advocating that the case be treated as exemplary.
Zahir had contested the verdict in the Supreme Court, claiming flaws in the trial and evidence. His legal team argued that the footage presented could not be played during the IHC hearings and questioned the mental fitness evaluation process. However, DNA reports and other forensic evidence confirmed his direct involvement, as stated by the prosecution.
This final ruling by the Supreme Court is seen as a landmark in Pakistan’s legal and social history, reinforcing the principle that justice can prevail even in the face of societal and judicial challenges.
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