Noor Mukadam Murder Case: SC Upholds Zahir Jaffer’s Death Sentence

On May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer for the brutal murder of Noor Mukadam, a case that had deeply impacted the nation. The three-member bench, led by Justice Hashim Kakar, including Justices Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, dismissed Jaffer’s appeal, affirming the decisions of the trial court and the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Noor Mukadam, 27, was found murdered at Jaffer’s residence in Islamabad on July 20, 2021. Investigations revealed she was tortured and beheaded. Jaffer was arrested at the scene, and forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, confirmed his involvement.

Legal Proceedings and Appeals

In February 2022, a sessions court sentenced Jaffer to death for murder and 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape. The IHC upheld the death sentence and converted the rape sentence into a second death penalty in March 2023. Jaffer appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the evidence was insufficient and that media coverage had influenced the trial.

During the Supreme Court hearings, Jaffer’s counsel contended that the evidence must be beyond doubt and criticised the prosecution’s reliance on incomplete footage. However, the bench maintained the death sentence for murder under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and reverted the IHC’s decision on the rape charge, reinstating the original 25-year sentence.

Case History

The court also addressed the appeals of co-accused Mohammad Iftikhar (watchman) and Jan Mohammad (gardener), who were sentenced to 10 years for preventing Noor from escaping. Their sentences were upheld. An appeal by Noor’s father against the acquittal of Jaffer’s parents was among the pending pleas.

Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, a retired diplomat, had filed the initial complaint. He recounted that on July 19, 2021, Noor informed her parents she was travelling to Lahore with friends. Later, he received a call from Jaffer stating Noor was not with him. On July 20, the police informed him of Noor’s murder.

The case garnered significant public attention, highlighting issues of gender-based violence and the importance of justice. The Supreme Court’s decision marks the culmination of a prolonged legal process, reinforcing the rule of law.