Noor Mukadam Case: Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer, a US national, for the murder of Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman who was brutally murdered in Islamabad in July 2021. Jaffer was convicted of murder, rape, and kidnapping, and the court rejected his appeal against the death sentence.

The three-member bench, led by Justice Hashim Kakar, dismissed Jaffer's appeal, stating that the prosecution's case relied on authentic CCTV footage and forensic reports that confirmed the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The court also addressed defence claims that the original charges did not include rape or kidnapping, which were later added, and that the murder weapon lacked Jaffer's fingerprints.

The co-accused, Jaffer's household staff, were also convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Supreme Court's decision brings a sense of closure to the family of the victim, who had been seeking justice for Noor's brutal murder. The case has been highly publicized, with many calling for greater accountability for those who commit such crimes and highlighting issues of patriarchal privilege and entitlement in Pakistan.

The Supreme Court's ruling has been seen as a significant step towards ensuring justice for women in Pakistan, where cases of violence and abuse against women are often met with impunity. The case has sparked widespread outrage and debate about justice and women's safety in Pakistan, and the Supreme Court's decision is expected to have a significant impact on the country's approach to such cases.

The upholding of the death sentence by the Supreme Court of Pakistan is a testament to the country's commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes. The case of Noor Mukadam will be remembered as a landmark example of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, and the need for continued efforts to protect women's rights and safety in Pakistan.