Islamabad . Neelofar Bakhtiar, former Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women and a senior advocate for women’s rights, has lauded the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer in the Noor Mukadam murder case. In a special statement, she expressed that this landmark ruling reinforces the nation’s commitment to justice and the protection of women’s rights.
“We strongly welcome the Supreme Court’s” decision in the Noor Mukadam case, Bakhtiar stated. “This verdict instills greater confidence and a sense of security among civil society and activists dedicated to women’s rights across the country. It signifies that when voices are raised on critical issues, national institutions and the public stand in solidarity.
Bakhtiar emphasized that the ruling is a reassuring indication of the judiciary’s dedication to upholding human rights, particularly in cases involving severe crimes against women. “When justice is not served in such grave matters, society hesitates to speak out against oppressors. This decision proves that law and justice are alive, empowering every individual—woman or child—who has suffered injustice to come forward with confidence.
The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the death penalty for Zahir Jaffer, convicted of the brutal 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam, has been hailed as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s legal history. Noor, a 27-year-old daughter of a former diplomat, was found murdered in Islamabad, a case that sparked nationwide outrage and demands for justice. The court’s ruling not only confirms the lower courts’ verdicts but also underscores the judiciary’s stance against gender-based violence and the influence of privilege within the legal system.
This verdict is seen as a beacon of hope for victims of gender-based violence and a testament to the power of collective advocacy. It sends a clear message that the legal system will hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their social standing, and that the fight for women’s rights in Pakistan continues to gain strength and support.