The Supreme Court of Pakistan has disposed of Zahir Jaffer’s review petition in the Noor Mukadam murder case, bringing another chapter of the high-profile legal proceedings to an end.
The case has remained one of Pakistan’s most widely discussed criminal trials since the killing of Noor Mukadam in July 2021. The 27-year-old woman was found dead at a residence in Islamabad owned by Zahir Jaffer. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
Following an investigation, Zahir Jaffer was convicted and sentenced to death by a trial court. The verdict was later upheld by the Islamabad High Court. After exhausting those legal avenues, he approached the Supreme Court through Zahir Jaffer’s review petition, seeking reconsideration of the judgment.
During the hearing, the defense team argued that Jaffer was suffering from serious mental health conditions at the time of the crime. His lawyers claimed that he had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was experiencing severe psychological distress when the incident occurred.
The defense further stated that he had episodes of delusional thinking and was not mentally stable during that period. As part of Zahir Jaffer’s review, the legal team requested that the court consider these factors and reduce the death sentence to life imprisonment.
The lawyers also argued that Jaffer had not received complete and effective legal representation during earlier stages of the trial and appeal process. They maintained that certain evidence had not been adequately presented before the courts.
To support their position, the defense submitted medical records, including a report prepared by a London-based doctor in 2015. The report referred to substance abuse issues and mental health concerns. Another medical letter from 2022 was also presented before the court.
According to the defense, these documents were not introduced during the original trial or appeal proceedings. They argued that the material was important to understanding Jaffer’s mental condition.
After reviewing the arguments and documents presented, the Supreme Court disposed of Zahir Jaffer’s review petition. The decision effectively concludes this stage of legal proceedings in the Noor Mukadam case.
The ruling marks another significant development in a case that has received extensive public attention since 2021. With the disposal of Zahir Jaffer’s review, the latest legal challenge to the conviction has now come to a close.
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