According to the latest details, Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, has been sentenced to death.
Furthermore, Zahir’s household staff Iftikhar and Jameel, both co-accused in the case, received 10 years in jail. Meanwhile, all other suspects, including Zahir’s parents and TherapyWorks employees, were acquitted.
Pakistan is currently applauding the decision and appreciating the court for the decision. According to public opinion, the decision serves as a warning that no one is above the law. Important to note, Zahir Jaffer belongs to an influential family and there were fears that he may escape justice owing.
Talking to the media after the decision, Noor Mukadam’s father lauded the decision and said will consult his lawyers for the next course of action. He also thanked the media and the society for the support.
https://twitter.com/Tehseenqasim/status/1496767632380416001?s=20&t=j1gENqRn_Aaz3MY9qkso-w
The verdict on #NoorMuqaddam case:
Zahir Jaffar sentenced to death.#JusticeForNoor— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) February 24, 2022
#ZahirJaffar sentenced to death in the #NoorMuqaddam case.
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) February 24, 2022
Fair and transparent trial
After seven months and many twists and turns, a sessions court in Islamabad is ready to announce its verdict in the Noor Mukadam murder case. As per details, the court announced the verdict today at 1:30 pm.
During the last hearing, all the parties including complainant Shaukat Mukadam’s lawyers Advocate Nisar Asghar and Advocate Shah Khawar, Prosecutor Rana Hasan Abbas, Asmat Adamjee’s counsel Advocate Asad Jamal, Zakir Jaffer’s lawyer Advocate Basharat Ullah and main accused Zahir Jaffer’s lawyer Advocate Sheharyar Nawaz concluded their arguments.
However, the District and Sessions Court judge, Justice Ata Rabbani, reserved the verdict and announced it today at 1:30 pm.
The complainant Shaukat Mukadam, who is the victim’s father, talked to the media after the last hearing. He expressed his satisfaction with the investigation and trial.
“The court conducted a fair and transparent trial,” said Shaukat, adding that, he had sought maximum punishment for all the accused of taking Noor’s life.
Read more: Noor Mukadam case: A need to reform Pakistan’s justice system
نور مقدم کے والد شوکت مقدم کا کہنا ہے کہ وہ پولیس کی تفتیش اور عدالتی کارروائی سے مطمئن ہیں۔#NoorMukadam #UrduNews #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Yg2p2J51LK
— Urdu News (@UrduNewsCom) February 22, 2022
A murder that shook Pakistan
July 2021, 27-year-old Noor Mukadam was found brutally murdered at a residence in the capital’s upscale Sector F-7/4. The Islamabad police arrested suspect Zahir Jaffer from the crime scene. According to reports, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head. An Islamabad court formally charged Zahir Jaffer with murder.
Moreover, the police also arrested Zahir’s parents and household staff over allegations of “hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime”.
Read more: Noor Mukadam murder condemned by Association of Former Ambassadors
Needless to say, the grisly murder sent waves of shock across Pakistan. Of course, victim-blaming also ensued, however, the majority, including politicians, condemned the murder. The public also held protests demanding justice for Noor Mukadam.
Zahir pleads guilty, then not guilty
On July 26, 2021, Zahir Jaffer confessed to murdering Noor Mukadam. However, the case took a new turn on February 11, 2022, when Zahir pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Furthermore, Zahir Jaffer accused Noor Mukadam of forcing him to host a drug party at his home i.e. site of the crime.
“On July 18, she voluntarily came to my house with a huge quantity of drugs. Noor told me to host a drug party and I refused,” said Zahir.
He also claimed that the victim hosted the party anyway and when he woke up he found himself tied. He also said that when police rescued him, he found out about Noor’s murder.
Moreover, Zahir also claimed that the victim’s father is an “influential” person and got him involved in the case by pressurizing the police.
Read more: Noor Mukadam case: A need to reform Pakistan’s justice system