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Supreme Court Upholds Zahir Jafar's Death Sentence in Noor Muqaddam Case
The Supreme Court upholds Zahir Jafar’s death sentence in Noor Muqaddam’s brutal murder. Court calls him a "ruthless killer" and finds evidence including CCTV, DNA, and murder weapon conclusive.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-12
Supreme Court Upholds Zahir Jafar's Death Sentence in Noor Muqaddam Case

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jafar in the gruesome 2021 murder of Noor Muqaddam, bringing final closure to one of the most high-profile and emotionally charged cases in recent memory.

In its detailed written judgment, the apex court affirmed the verdicts of both the trial and the Islamabad High Court, stating:

"Zahir Jafar is not worthy of any sympathy. He is the ruthless killer of Noor Muqaddam."

Strong Evidence Accepted

The court ruled that crucial digital and forensic evidence, including CCTV footage, DVR recordings, and hard drives showing the physical assault on Noor, were admissible and unaltered, with the identity of the accused fully confirmed.

The court further stated that DNA analysis confirmed rape, while Noor’s blood was found on the murder weapon, and Zahir Jafar failed to provide any explanation for her presence at the scene.

Final Sentencing

The Supreme Court judgment reads:

  • Death sentence for murder: Upheld
  • Life imprisonment for rape: Upheld, replacing original death sentence on this charge

This ruling ends all avenues of appeal for Zahir Jafar, who had moved the Supreme Court after both lower courts rejected his pleas and maintained the death penalty.

Case Background

The case sparked national outrage and international attention in July 2021, when Noor Muqaddam, the 27-year-old daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was brutally tortured and murdered at a residence in Islamabad.

Zahir Jafar, a U.S. citizen and member of an influential family, was arrested on the spot. The Islamabad sessions court sentenced him to death in February 2022. That decision was upheld by the Islamabad High Court in 2023.

Today’s Supreme Court decision marks the final judicial verdict in the case, ending a prolonged legal battle.
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