ISLAMABAD, May 18, 2025 — Supreme Court Adjourns Zahir Jaffer Appeal Hearing in Noor Mukadam Murder Case

Mental Illness Claim Under Scrutiny

The Supreme Court delayed Zahir Jaffer’s appeal hearing in the Noor Mukadam murder case until Tuesday. Representing the accused, Barrister Salman Safdar insisted the court had ignored his client’s psychiatric history. He argued that Zahir displayed symptoms of a mental disorder since 2013 and yet never received formal medical evaluation. However, the bench, led by Justice Hashim Kakar with Justices Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, questioned why the defense introduced this argument at a late stage. They noted a trial court had already dismissed such a plea in January 2022 due to insufficient evidence and poor timing.

Justice Kakar expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress of the appeal. He criticized the legal team for failing to raise the mental health claim during earlier proceedings. The bench voiced concern over prolonged incarceration on death row due to avoidable procedural holdups. Their remarks emphasized a need for diligence, discipline, and urgency when dealing with criminal appeals, particularly those involving capital punishment.

Nation Awaits Final Supreme Court Ruling as Zahir Jaffer killed 27-year-old Noor Mukadam on July 20, 2021, inside his residence in Islamabad. The crime, involving severe violence and beheading, shocked the public and ignited widespread condemnation. In February 2022, a trial court sentenced him to death. The Islamabad High Court later upheld the conviction and added another death sentence for rape. Currently, the apex court is also reviewing separate appeals from other defendants. Additionally, Noor’s father has filed a petition challenging the acquittal of Zahir’s parents. Advocate Shah Khawar, representing the victim’s family, is expected to address the bench in the next session.

The Noor Mukadam murder case continues to draw intense national attention as the country anticipates a decisive outcome.