Supreme Court Upholds Zahir Jaffer's Death Sentence in Noor Mukadam Murder Case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday dismissed a review petition filed by Zahir Jaffer, upholding its earlier judgment that maintained his death sentence in the brutal murder case of Noor Mukadam, bringing another chapter of the high-profile case to a close.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim heard the petition. Following arguments from both sides, the bench reserved its verdict before later announcing the dismissal of the review plea.

Zahir Jaffer had sought a review of the Supreme Court's May 20, 2025 verdict, which upheld his conviction and death sentence for the murder of Noor Mukadam. Senior lawyer Khawaja Haris represented Jaffer, while Shah Khawar appeared on behalf of the respondents.

The case captured national attention in July 2021 when Noor Mukadam, the 27-year-old daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's F-7/4 sector.

According to court records and the prosecution's findings, Noor had made multiple attempts to escape from the residence on the night of the murder but was prevented from leaving by household staff members employed at the property. Investigators stated that she was subjected to severe torture before being brutally killed. The incident sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan and renewed calls for stronger protections for women against gender-based violence.

Zahir Jaffer was arrested at the crime scene shortly after the murder, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered the same day by Noor's father. The FIR stated that Noor had been killed and beheaded with a sharp-edged weapon in an act that shocked the nation.

In February 2022, a district and sessions court sentenced Jaffer to death for murder, while also awarding him a 25-year prison term with hard labour and imposing a fine. The court also convicted him on rape-related charges. Two domestic employees, Iftikhar and Jameel, were each sentenced to ten years in prison for facilitating the crime by preventing Noor from escaping. Meanwhile, several other accused individuals, including Jaffer's parents and employees of Therapy Works, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) later upheld Jaffer's death sentence in March 2023 and converted his 25-year prison term related to rape charges into a second death sentence. The verdict was seen as a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Noor Mukadam.

Subsequently, Jaffer challenged the IHC decision before the Supreme Court. In May 2025, the apex court largely upheld the conviction and death sentence, reaffirming the findings of the lower courts.

With the dismissal of the review petition, the Supreme Court has effectively exhausted one of the final legal avenues available to Zahir Jaffer within Pakistan's judicial system. The decision has been welcomed by Noor Mukadam's family and supporters who have long sought justice in a case that became a symbol of the fight against violence against women in Pakistan.

Legal experts note that review petitions are entertained only on limited grounds, such as apparent errors in a judgment, and are rarely accepted unless compelling reasons are presented. The Supreme Court's latest ruling therefore reinforces the finality of its earlier decision and marks a significant milestone in the conclusion of one of Pakistan's most closely watched criminal cases.