The Supreme Court of Pakistan has postponed the hearing of Zahir Jaffer’s appeal against his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case to May 19. Both the defence and prosecution agreed to the delay.
Judges Urge Lawyers to Avoid Unnecessary Delays
A three-member bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar, with Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, heard the case. Defence lawyer Salman Safdar asked for more time to submit documents. Justice Kakar rejected the request at first and criticized the culture of delays in Pakistan’s legal system.
“Our courts only delay a case if a lawyer or judge dies,” he said. He warned that long delays can ruin justice for victims and families.
What Happened to Noor Mukadam?
Noor Mukadam, 27, was found murdered on July 20, 2021, in Islamabad’s F-7/4 sector. Police arrested Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect, at the crime scene. Her father filed an FIR later that day.
In February 2022, a trial court gave Zahir the death penalty, along with 25 years in jail and a fine. Two household workers got 10-year sentences. Zahir’s parents and employees of TherapyWorks were cleared of all charges.
The Islamabad High Court later upheld the death sentence and added another one in March 2023. Zahir’s legal team filed an appeal in the Supreme Court in April 2024.
Final Verdict Still Pending
Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, has called for a faster verdict. On her birth anniversary, he asked the top court to end delays. The court has now told both sides to return on May 19 with full preparation for a final decision.