Convicted killer in Noor Mukadam case appeals death sentence in Pakistan Supreme Court

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday commenced hearing the high-profile Noor Mukadam murder case, where the defense renewed its plea to overturn the death sentence awarded to Zahir Jaffer – this time arguing that he was mentally unfit to stand trial.

The Noor Mukadam case involves the brutal 2021 murder of a 27-year-old woman by Jaffer in Islamabad, who held her captive, tortured, raped, and beheaded her after she refused his marriage proposal. Jaffer was sentenced to death in 2022, and the case sparked national outrage over violence against women in Pakistan.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Jaffer’s lawyer Salman Safdar requested an adjournment, stating his intention to submit new documents related to his client’s mental health.

“Zahir Jaffer is mentally ill—a point that was completely ignored by the lower courts,” he argued, adding that the material he planned to file could “entirely change the course of the case.”

Justice Hashim Kakar, who is heading the three-member bench, questioned the delay. “If you are present in court, then why seek an adjournment?” he asked.

Safdar responded that courts had overlooked both the issue of mental illness and relevant precedents set by the Supreme Court. He also noted that a medical board had never been formed to assess Jaffer’s psychological condition.

Justice Baqar Najafi asked whether the issue had been raised during proceedings in the trial court or the high court. Safdar acknowledged it had been but claimed it had not been adequately addressed.

“If you can raise this argument today, then what’s the purpose of filing a separate petition?” Justice Kakar countered, suggesting the court would entertain whatever application is submitted.

Shah Khawar, representing the Mukadam family, strongly opposed the proposed petition. Justice Najafi advised him to wait until the petition was filed to formally challenge it.

With the consent of both parties, the court adjourned proceedings until May 19 and directed all lawyers to come fully prepared for the next hearing.