Pakistan's Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Zahir Jaffer in Noor Mukadam's Brutal Murder

Strategic Insights -

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on May 20, 2025, upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer, the son of a wealthy business family, for the gruesome murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukadam in Islamabad in 2021. The case highlights the country's toxic misogyny and domestic violence, with a staggering 28% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 experiencing physical violence since the age of 15. The brutal nature of the crime and Jaffer's family background sent shockwaves through the country, prompting calls for action against domestic violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Zahir Jaffer, the son of a wealthy business family, for the murder of Noor Mukadam.
  • Noor Mukadam's father, Shaukat Mukadam, welcomed the verdict, stating that the case is "for all the daughters of Pakistan."
  • Pakistan has a poor record of protecting women and girls, with 28% of women experiencing physical violence since the age of 15, according to the Ministry of Human Rights.
  • The country lacks a nationwide law criminalizing domestic violence, leaving many women and girls vulnerable to assault.
  • The Domestic Violence Bill, tabled in 2020, was passed in the National Assembly but was held up by the Senate and is still pending approval.
  • Pakistan is ranked as the sixth most dangerous country in the world for women, with a culture of impunity for violence against women.
  • Activists blame societal patriarchal attitudes, feudal and tribal customs, and the lack of accountability for the prevalence of domestic violence.
  • The brutal murder of Noor Mukadam has sparked a national conversation about toxic misogyny and domestic violence in Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • 28% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, according to the Ministry of Human Rights (2017-2018).
  • 10,201 cases of violence against women were registered in 2023, a 14.5% increase from 8,787 cases reported in 2022.
  • Lahore had 1,464 cases of violence against women, followed by Sheikhupura with 1,198 and Kasur with 877 cases in 2023.
  • On an average, about 28 women faced some form of violence every day in the Punjab in 2023.

Sources:

  • [Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights]
  • [Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018]
  • [Sustainable Social Development Organization's report on violence against women in 2023]
  • [Pakistan's National Assembly]
  • [Pakistan's Senate]
  • [The Supreme Court of Pakistan]