Supreme Court of Pakistan Upholds Death Sentence in Noor Mukadam Murder Case, Rejects Review Petition

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected the review petition filed by convicted murderer Zahir Jaffer in the high-profile Noor Mukadam murder case, upholding his death sentence and reaffirming the earlier judgment in one of the country’s most widely followed criminal trials.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Kakar delivered a unanimous verdict, bringing finality to the review proceedings and maintaining the capital punishment awarded to the central accused.

Mental health plea rejected after detailed scrutiny

During the hearing, defense counsel Khawaja Haris argued that the accused was suffering from severe mental health conditions at the time of the crime, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, and had been under psychiatric medication.

However, the court raised detailed questions regarding the medical evidence, seeking clarity on when treatment had begun, which doctors were involved, and whether treatment was ongoing at the time of the incident. The bench also examined inconsistencies in the defense’s reliance on a letter from a clinic in London, pointing out contradictions in the arguments presented.

The court further noted that the defense failed to substantiate its claims regarding the accused’s mental condition with credible and consistent medical records.

Arguments on intoxication and trial fairness

The defense also contended that no drug or intoxication test had been conducted by the prosecution and claimed that the trial process was conducted under pressure.

Rejecting concerns over external influence, Justice Hashim Kakar remarked that courts do not decide cases under pressure from media reporting or social media narratives, reaffirming judicial independence in criminal adjudication.

The defense additionally requested leniency in sentencing instead of a retrial; however, the bench observed that the matter related to the formation of a medical board had already been conclusively settled earlier and that the defense had failed to effectively establish its stance.

Final verdict

After hearing all arguments, the Supreme Court dismissed the review petition and upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer, bringing closure to the review stage of the case.

The Noor Mukadam murder case has remained one of Pakistan’s most prominent criminal proceedings, drawing widespread public attention and sparking national debate on violence against women and judicial accountability.