SC Upholds Death Sentence of Zahir in Noor Mukadam Case
News Desk
Islamabad: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday dismissed the review petition of convict Zahir Jaffer in the Noor Mukadam murder case and upheld his death sentence, also rejecting the request for the formation of a medical board to examine his mental condition.
A three-member bench comprising Justice Hashim Kakar, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim heard the review petition against the conviction.
At the outset of the hearing, defence counsel Khawaja Haris acknowledged that the victim, Noor Mukadam, had been wronged and expressed regret over the incident.
However, he argued that the core issue in the review petition was the mental condition of the convict at the time of the incident. He also stated that Zahir Jaffer was present at the scene and did not deny the occurrence of the murder, but maintained that his client was suffering from mental illness.
The counsel contended that medical records indicated the convict had been treated for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression, and had been on medication even during incarceration. He argued that such conditions could lead to aggressive behaviour and impaired judgment.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/noor-mukadam-murder-case-zahir-jaffar-sentenced-to-death/
However, the bench questioned the absence of contemporaneous medical evidence, asking when the treatment had begun and whether the alleged condition existed at the time of the incident. The judges also sought details of the convict’s medical history, including treatment records from childhood and verified documentation from qualified doctors.
During the proceedings, Khawaja Haris also presented a letter allegedly issued by Harley Street Clinic in London. The bench, however, raised questions over its timing and authenticity, noting that the document was dated after the incident.
The defence further argued that while the victim’s toxicology reports were conducted, no drug test of the convict was carried out, suggesting possible pressure during trial reporting. The bench, however, rejected arguments based on media influence, stating that court decisions are not influenced by newspaper or social media reporting.
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Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that the court had already addressed similar concerns in previous judgments, including the Sunni Masih case, and emphasized that judicial decisions are made independently of external narratives.
The bench also observed that the request for a medical board had been rejected by the trial court and was not challenged before the High Court, rendering the matter final at that stage.
After hearing arguments, the Supreme Court dismissed the review petition and maintained the death sentence awarded to Zahir Jaffer. The court also rejected the plea for constituting a medical board to assess his mental health.
Advocate Shah Khawar represented the family of the deceased Noor Mukadam during the proceedings.
The case pertains to the July 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam, which had triggered widespread national outrage and remains one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent years.
