ISLAMABAD, May 20, 2025 — The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in the brutal 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam, marking a significant moment in the country’s legal history and fight against gender-based violence.
The three-member bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar dismissed Jaffer’s appeal, maintaining his death sentence under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The court also converted his earlier 25-year sentence under rape charges into life imprisonment, while overturning the conviction related to kidnapping.
Noor Mukadam, daughter of former diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was murdered on July 20, 2021, at Jaffer’s Islamabad residence. The gruesome nature of the case sparked national outrage and calls for justice.
Jaffer’s household staff, watchman Muhammad Iftikhar and gardener Jan Muhammad — both previously sentenced to 10 years — were granted relief, with the court deeming their served time sufficient.
Speaking on the verdict, Noor’s childhood friend Shafaq Zaidi called it “a victory for all women of Pakistan,” expressing hope that the justice system would continue to stand with victims.
The case, which went through rigorous legal scrutiny over nearly four years, saw lower courts, the Islamabad High Court, and now the Supreme Court all upholding the original murder conviction.
