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NCSW Condemns Justice Najafi’s “Misogynistic” Remarks in Noor Mukadam Case
NCSW condemns Justice Ali Baqar Najafi’s remarks in the Noor Mukadam case, calling them misogynistic, irresponsible, and harmful to victims of violence.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-28
NCSW Condemns Justice Najafi’s “Misogynistic” Remarks in Noor Mukadam Case

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Friday strongly condemned the remarks made by Supreme Court Justice Ali Baqar Najafi in his additional note on the Noor Mukadam murder case, calling them “misogynistic and irresponsible” and reflective of a harmful mindset that shifts blame onto women instead of perpetrators of violence.

Justice Najafi, part of the three-member bench that upheld the death sentence awarded to convicted murderer Zahir Jaffer, wrote in his note that the brutal 2021 killing was the result of a “vice spreading in the upper society,” referring to what he described as a “living relationship” between unmarried individuals. The judge argued that such relationships defied both state law and Islamic injunctions.

His observations surfaced on Wednesday, drawing immediate public criticism, including from lawyers, rights activists, and members of civil society. Many expressed concern that such statements, especially coming from a senior judge, reinforce harmful stereotypes and could discourage victims of gender-based violence from seeking justice.

In its statement, the NCSW said the remarks amounted to clear victim-blaming. “Such statements constitute clear victim-blaming and reflect a harmful mindset that shifts responsibility away from the perpetrators of violence and onto women themselves,” the commission said. “No woman’s choices, real or perceived, can ever justify or explain brutality, murder or any form of gender-based violence.”

The commission also highlighted that Justice Najafi’s comments contradicted a landmark judgment by Justice Ayesha Malik, who had emphasised the need for sensitive, respectful, and bias-free language while referring to victims. Justice Malik’s ruling called on the judiciary to avoid moralising narratives that shame or stereotype women.

According to the NCSW, Justice Najafi’s remarks undermine judicial responsibility and risk eroding public trust in courts. “The NCSW calls on all members of the judiciary to uphold constitutional values, maintain impartiality and ensure that courts remain spaces where survivors and victims are treated with dignity and respect,” the statement said, adding that justice must be grounded in facts and law rather than personal bias.

The controversy comes just a day after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, amplifying concerns over the treatment of gender-based violence cases within the judicial system. During a Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights meeting on Thursday, lawmakers described the remarks as “ridiculous” and questioned the impact such views could have on conviction rates in cases concerning violence against women.

Established in 2000 as an autonomous statutory body, the NCSW is mandated to review laws and policies affecting women’s rights and advocate for reforms that promote gender equality and justice.
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