Brutal Murder, National Outrage, and Now Final Justice – In a case that gripped the nation, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected Zahir Jaffer’s appeal and upheld his death sentence for the horrific murder of Noor Mukadam. While granting minor relief under certain legal provisions, the apex court made it clear: there’s no mercy for murder.
A three-member bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar announced the verdict. Zahir Jaffer’s death penalty remains intact, though the sentences of his gardener and security guard were reduced, and they were ordered to be released, as time served was deemed sufficient.
The court gave Jaffer slight reprieve on two other charges: his death sentence for rape was commuted to life imprisonment, and his 10-year abduction term was slashed to one year of rigorous imprisonment.
During the hearing, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim used the moment to sound an alarm, calling on the state to educate youth about the dangers of drug use and “live-in relationships.” He sharply questioned the unchecked spread of crystal meth in universities and the role of law enforcement.
What Was the Incident?
On July 20, 2021, 27-year-old Noor Mukadam was found brutally murdered at a house in Islamabad’s posh F-7 sector. Zahir Jaffer—an affluent man with dual nationality—was caught red-handed at the scene and arrested immediately. The murder sparked widespread protests and became a litmus test for justice in Pakistan.
Trial Timeline & Sentencing
October 14, 2021: Charges framed against Zahir and 11 others.
February 24, 2022: Zahir sentenced to death by a district court for Noor’s murder.
Islamabad High Court: Upheld the verdict, even upgrading his rape sentence to a second death penalty.
The Supreme Court’s latest verdict now closes the legal chapter of a case that has become symbolic of the fight against gender-based violence in Pakistan.
