The Supreme Court of Pakistan adjourned the hearing on Zahir Jaffer’s appeal against his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case until May 19, following a mutual agreement between both legal teams. A three-member bench, headed by Justice Hashim Kakar and comprising Justices Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, heard the case on Tuesday.
Defense counsel Salman Safdar requested additional time to submit documents, arguing that Jaffer suffers from mental illness—a claim he said was overlooked by lower courts. “No medical board was ever formed to evaluate his mental health,” Safdar told the bench. Justice Kakar questioned the need for adjournment, criticizing frequent delays: “In our court, cases are only delayed if the judge or lawyer dies.” He warned that excessive adjournments erode public trust in the justice system.
Prosecutor Shah Khawar opposed the delay, but Justice Najafi advised him to respond formally once the defense files its application. The court directed both sides to return fully prepared for the next hearing.
Noor Mukadam, 27, was found beheaded at Jaffer’s Islamabad residence on July 20, 2021. In February 2022, a sessions court sentenced Jaffer to death, a ruling upheld by the Islamabad High Court in March 2023. Jaffer’s parents and TherapyWorks employees were acquitted, while two domestic workers received 10-year sentences.
Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, has repeatedly urged expedited proceedings, citing the 18-month delay in the Supreme Court’s decision. The case, which sparked nationwide outrage, remains one of Pakistan’s most high-profile trials concerning violence against women.
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