ISLAMABAD – Zahir Jaffer, the main convict in the Noor Mukadam murder case, has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. His legal team, led by senior lawyer Khawaja Haris, has requested the court to reconsider the death sentence handed down to him. The petition highlights several concerns about how the trial was conducted and the evidence presented in court.
According to the plea, Jaffer’s lawyers argue that the court failed to evaluate his mental condition at the time of the murder. They had earlier requested the formation of a medical board to assess his mental health, but the Supreme Court did not act on the request. This, they claim, was a major gap in the legal process that could have changed the outcome.
Moreover, the petition raises questions about the video evidence used during the trial. Jaffer’s legal team claims that the footage was never formally shown in court or shared with the defense. They argue that relying on such unverified recordings goes against the principles of a fair trial and violates the convict’s legal rights.
Additionally, the defense believes that these procedural flaws, including the missing mental health assessment, are valid reasons for the court to reexamine the case. They are urging the Supreme Court to exercise its authority and carefully review the decision to ensure justice is fully served. The case has once again sparked public interest due to its sensitive and high-profile nature.
To recall, Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former diplomat, was murdered in July 2021 in Islamabad. Zahir Jaffer, who was arrested from the crime scene, was sentenced to death in February 2022. His conviction was upheld by the Islamabad High Court and later confirmed by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
Now, this review petition represents a final effort by Jaffer to overturn or lessen his sentence. While the court has yet to respond, the development has drawn attention nationwide, as people await to see whether the judicial system will revisit its earlier verdict.