SC rejects Zahir Jaffer’s plea in Noor Mukadam case

In its detailed 12-page judgment, authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the apex court said Jaffer had sought to have his death sentence commuted

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has rejected a review petition filed by Zahir Jaffer challenging his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case, ruling that the severity of the crime did not justify any reduction in punishment.

In its detailed 12-page judgment, authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the apex court said Jaffer had sought to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment on the basis of alleged mental illness. However, the court found that he had failed to provide evidence sufficient to support his claim or warrant reconsideration of the earlier verdict.

The judgment stressed that the material on record established the exceptionally serious nature of the offence. It held that the circumstances of the crime provided no basis for reducing the sentence imposed on the convict.

The court also clarified that its powers in a review petition are narrowly defined and that such proceedings cannot be used as a substitute for an appeal against an earlier judgment.

The Supreme Court further observed that violence against women and the creation of an atmosphere of fear and insecurity are incompatible with both Islamic principles and established legal norms. It emphasised that Islam guarantees women dignity, protection and respect.

Moreover, The Supreme Court has issued its detailed written judgment dismissing the review petition filed by convicted murderer Zahir Jaffer against his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case. The 12-page judgment was authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim.

According to the written judgment, Zahir Jaffer had requested the court to reconsider his death sentence and convert it into life imprisonment on the grounds that he was suffering from a mental illness. However, the Supreme Court observed that the convict had failed to present any evidence that could justify reconsideration of the court’s earlier decision.

The judgment stated that the available record clearly established that Zahir Jaffer had committed an extremely serious crime. The court noted that the nature and circumstances of the offence did not warrant any reduction in the punishment awarded to him.

The Supreme Court further explained that its jurisdiction in a review petition is extremely limited. A review application cannot be treated as an appeal, nor can the petitioner use the review process simply to seek a fresh examination of the entire case.

The written judgment also highlighted the protection and respect afforded to women under Islam. The court observed that subjecting women to violence, abuse and insecurity is contrary to both Islamic principles and the laws of the state.

The Supreme Court’s decision means that the death sentence awarded to Zahir Jaffer remains intact. The trial court had previously sentenced him to death for the rape and murder of Noor Mukadam. The Islamabad High Court subsequently upheld the death sentence, and the Supreme Court also maintained the punishment before rejecting his review petition.