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

In a landmark decision on May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the appeal of Zahir Jaffer, upholding his death sentence for the brutal 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam. The ruling, delivered by a three-member bench comprising Justices Hashim Kakar, Ishtiaq Ibrahim, and Ali Baqar Najafi, also commuted Jaffer’s death sentence for rape to 25 years of imprisonment and acquitted him of abduction charges.

Background of the Case

Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old daughter of former diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was found murdered at Jaffer’s residence in Islamabad in July 2021. Investigations revealed that she was held hostage, tortured with a knuckleduster, raped, and ultimately beheaded after refusing Jaffer’s marriage proposal. The case garnered national and international attention, highlighting issues of gender-based violence and the influence of wealth in the justice system.

Legal Proceedings

Jaffer was initially sentenced to death by a trial court in February 2022. The Islamabad High Court upheld this verdict in March 2023, converting his 25-year sentence for rape to an additional death sentence. Jaffer’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was dismissed, with the apex court maintaining the death penalty for murder and commuting the rape sentence to 25 years.

Public Reaction

The Supreme Court’s decision was met with widespread approval across Pakistan. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for Noor’s family and praise for the judiciary’s stance. The “Justice for Noor” campaign, led by Noor’s friends, hailed the verdict as a significant victory for women’s rights in the country.

Prominent figures, including actor Osman Khalid Butt, expressed relief and gratitude, acknowledging the perseverance of Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, in seeking justice. Legal experts and activists viewed the ruling as a precedent-setting moment, emphasizing that it sends a strong message against gender-based violence and the misuse of power and privilege.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s affirmation of Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s legal history, reinforcing the principle that justice prevails irrespective of social status. It stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to upholding the rights and safety of its citizens, particularly women.

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