Islamabad:
On Thursday, the Supreme Court rendered its detailed judgment in the case of the murder of Noor Mukadam, confirming the death sentence of Zahir Jaffar while making a distinct death sentence for rape to life imprisonment.
In the 13 -page verdict, the court described Jaffer as “a ruthless killer” who does not deserve sympathy and has confirmed the accuracy and unanimity of the decisions of the lower courts.
The judgment has also highlighted the evidence of the video sequences, declaring that the material obtained by a reliable system can serve as a testimony of oneself. He quoted a back flight affair where video evidence was accepted without eye witnesses and noted that the American courts largely applied the principle of “silent witness”.
In the case of Jaffer, the court noted that video surveillance images, DVR and hard drive were all forms of eligible evidence. The court said that there was no indication of falsification in video recordings, the accused’s identification was exact and the DNA report confirmed rape.
The murder weapon was also noted to have the victim’s blood. “The convicted person has provided no explanation for the presence of Noor. Digital evidence is now considered a main testimony. If video surveillance images meet defined standards, no additional verification is necessary,” said the verdict.
In addition, the court confirmed Jaffer’s death sentence for murder but converted his sentence for rape to life imprisonment. He was acquitted from the accusation of kidnapping, while his sentence to illegally confine Noor was maintained.
The Supreme Court also judged that the sanctions for the co-accused Muhammad Iftikhar and Muhammad Jan would be held. However, in a demonstration of leniency, he ordered their release on the grounds that they had already served enough time.
Previously, a bench of three members led by judge Hashim Kakar and including the Ishtiaq judges Ibrahim and Ali Baqar Najafi, had rejected Jaffer’s call. The judgment concluded with a note that Judge Najafi would add an additional note to the verdict.
Noor, 27, was assassinated on July 20, 2021 in a house in the F-7/4 sector in Islamabad. A FIR was deposited on the same day, leading to Jaffer’s arrest on the crime scene. In February 2022, the district and sessions court presented to Zahir the death penalty and the sentence of 25 years in prison for murder and rape. Two domestic employees, Mohammad Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad each received a 10 -year prison sentence for their involvement.
The parents of Zahir, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamji – both of the eminent turnover – were charged in October 2021 but acquitted later. Similarly, six employees of Therapy Works, who arrived on the scene before the police, were also authorized for the accusations of the Court of First Instance.
