Supreme Court Upholds Zahir Jaffer’s Death Sentence in Noor Mukadam Case

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Zahir Jaffer in Noor Mukadam Case

Islamabad: The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer for the murder of Noor Mukadam, while modifying certain charges in its final ruling on the high-profile case.

A three-member bench, led by Justice Hashim Kakar and comprising Justices Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, dismissed Jaffer’s appeal against his conviction under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, confirming his capital punishment and fine.

Key Rulings

The court converted Jaffer’s death sentence under Section 376 (rape) to life imprisonment and overturned his conviction for kidnapping. Additionally, the sentences of his household staff—his watchman and gardener—were reduced, with the court ruling that their time already served was sufficient.

Case Background

Noor Mukadam, the daughter of a former diplomat, was brutally murdered at Jaffer’s residence in Islamabad in July 2021. Investigations revealed that she was tortured before being beheaded. The case sparked national outrage and renewed discussions on justice and women’s safety in Pakistan.

Jaffer was arrested at the crime scene, and a trial court sentenced him to death in February 2022. The Islamabad High Court later upheld the verdict and added an additional death sentence for rape charges.

Legal Proceedings

During the Supreme Court hearing, Jaffer’s counsel argued that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on CCTV footage and DVR recordings, insisting that the evidence must be beyond reasonable doubt. However, the court dismissed objections regarding the footage’s authenticity, citing forensic verification.

The co-accused—Jaffer’s household staff—were also represented in court. Their sentences were reduced after the bench ruled that their role in preventing Noor from escaping had been considered in previous rulings.

Public Reaction

Following the verdict, Noor’s friends and supporters expressed relief, calling it a significant moment for justice in Pakistan. Outside the court, a close friend of Noor stated, “This decision reinforces confidence in the legal system and serves as a victory for women’s rights.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle, reaffirming the country’s commitment to delivering justice in high-profile cases.