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SC Upholds Zahir Jaffer’s Death Sentence for Noor Mukadam’s Murder
Supreme Court upholds Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence for Noor Mukadam’s brutal murder. A life term replaces second death penalty for rape. Co-accused released. Justice served after nearly 4 years.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-20
SC Upholds Zahir Jaffer’s Death Sentence for Noor Mukadam’s Murder

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer for the brutal murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukadam, nearly four years after the horrifying incident that sparked a national reckoning on gender-based violence.

The apex court also reduced Zahir’s second death sentence — initially awarded for rape — to life imprisonment, and commuted his 10-year jail term for kidnapping to one year. His obligation to pay Rs500,000 to Noor’s legal heirs was upheld.

The verdict was delivered by a three-member bench comprising Justice Hashim Kakar, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, who dismissed Zahir’s appeal against the Islamabad High Court’s decision and concluded the trial that had gripped the nation since 2021.

Key Judgments:

  • Death Sentence for murder under Section 302(b) of the PPC upheld
  • Life Imprisonment replaces second death penalty for rape under Section 376
  • Kidnapping sentence reduced to 1 year from 10 years
  • Co-accused watchman Mohammad Iftikhar and gardener Jan Mohammad released due to time served
  • Rs 0.5 million compensation to Noor’s heirs maintained

Noor Mukadam was found beheaded at Zahir’s Islamabad residence on July 20, 2021. Investigations revealed she had been held captive, tortured, raped, and then murdered. The case sparked outrage across the country and became a flashpoint for women’s rights in Pakistan.

Presidential Pardon Option

While the Supreme Court’s decision appears final, legal experts note that under Article 45 of the Constitution, the President of Pakistan has the power to pardon or commute sentences — a possibility that remains open to Zahir.

Trial History

In February 2022, Zahir was sentenced to death by a sessions court for murder, along with 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape. His staff, Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad, were each sentenced to 10 years for assisting in Noor’s unlawful confinement.

Zahir’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamji, along with employees of Therapy Works, were indicted but later acquitted. Noor’s father, former ambassador Shaukat Mukadam, had challenged their acquittals. A detailed order from today’s hearing is expected to address these appeals.

Courtroom Dynamics

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Zahir’s counsel argued that video footage presented as evidence had not been reviewed by the higher courts and questioned the legality of some conclusions.

However, Justice Najafi observed that had the staff not stopped Noor from fleeing, “the situation would have been different.” The bench showed little sympathy for the defence’s narrative and acknowledged the suffering of the victim’s family.

Justice Kakar also dismissed claims of mental instability, stating, “A daughter was mercilessly murdered.”

Women’s rights activists criticized some of the court's comments, particularly those that suggested Noor being alone with Zahir was “against our values.” Activist Farzana Bari warned such views reinforce patriarchal attitudes that harm justice.

Reaction from Civil Society

Outside the court, women’s rights groups and friends of Noor expressed mixed feelings — relief at the conviction being upheld but concern about lingering regressive judicial attitudes.

“This is a victory for all the women of Pakistan,” said Shafaq Zaidi, Noor’s friend. “It shows the system can deliver justice.”

Tahira Abdullah, a well-known human rights activist, called the verdict a “milestone achievement in the struggle against patriarchy, sexism, and misogyny.”

Background

Noor Mukadam’s murder was reported on July 20, 2021. Zahir was arrested at the crime scene. DNA evidence and forensic reports confirmed his involvement. Despite initial claims of mental instability, medical evaluations did not support the defence.

After a high-profile trial and years of legal proceedings, the Supreme Court’s decision closes a painful chapter for Noor’s family — though the pursuit of justice for many in similar cases continues.

 
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