The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan on Tuesday upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer for the brutal 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam, dismissing his final appeal. A three-member bench, led by Justice Hashim Kakar and including Justices Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, confirmed the punishment after hearing arguments from both sides. The ruling ends a nearly three-year legal battle that gripped the nation.
Zahir, the heir to the wealthy Jaffer Group of Companies, was convicted of torturing, raping, and beheading 27-year-old Noor at his Islamabad residence. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had earlier upheld his death sentence and converted his 25-year prison term for rape into a second death penalty. However, the Supreme Court reduced the latter to life imprisonment while maintaining the primary death sentence for murder.
Zahir’s defense lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, argued that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on CCTV footage, which he claimed lacked proper verification. He also raised doubts about Zahir’s mental health, alleging it was never evaluated. The bench, however, noted that the defense had previously accepted the footage’s authenticity, and forensic reports confirmed it was untampered.
Justice Kakar remarked that even without the footage, Zahir’s guilt was undeniable, as Noor’s body was recovered from his home. The court also dismissed claims that Zahir’s household staff—watchman Mohammad Iftikhar and gardener Jan Mohammad—were wrongly convicted for aiding the crime. Their 10-year sentences were upheld, though the bench questioned why they exceeded their duties to prevent Noor from escaping.
During proceedings, the judges highlighted broader societal issues linked to the case. Justice Ibrahim urged the state to educate youth on the dangers of “live-in relationships,” calling Noor and Zahir’s relationship “unfortunate for our society and contrary to religion.” Justice Kakar pointed to rampant drug abuse, particularly methamphetamine (“ice”), among university students, criticizing law enforcement for inaction.
“Raid Quaid-e-Azam University and see how much ice is seized,” Justice Kakar said, demanding stricter oversight. The bench emphasized preventive measures over reactive justice.
Case Background
Noor, daughter of former diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was murdered on July 20, 2021, after being lured to Zahir’s home. Police found her decapitated body, with evidence of torture and rape. Zahir was arrested at the scene, while his parents and TherapyWorks employees—initially accused of evidence tampering—were acquitted.
Noor’s father, Shaukat, had persistently pursued justice, appealing to the Supreme Court after delays. Following Tuesday’s verdict, Zahir’s last recourse is a presidential pardon under Article 45 of the Constitution.
As Noor’s family finds closure, the judiciary’s call for systemic reform resonates nationwide.
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