In a much-awaited decision, a court in Islamabad handed down the death penalty to Zahir Jaffer, the principal accused in the murder of Noor Mukadam, and sentenced two co-defendants, both members of his household staff, to 10 years in prison.
All others, including Zahir’s parents and six Therapy Works employees, were acquitted. The case had kept the nation in thrall ever since 27-year-old Noor was found slain and decapitated in the capital city on July 20 at the perpetrator’s residence.
The high-profile murder case had acquired immense media glare. In a country where the idea of justice when it targets the elite is received with so much scepticism, it is a rare moment of relief to see a case reach an end that sees someone with influence and clout not get away with literal murder.
Zahir, a dual citizenship holder, had brutally murdered Noor last year in what appeared to be a case of revenge in their personal relationship. There was CCTV footage that showed her going into his house; and her being dragged inside when she tried to escape. In short, there was enough evidence against the accused.
The Noor murder case led to polarising debate regarding violence against women, the criminal justice system’s capacity to actually deliver justice and, most regrettably, the character of the victim. Every time a woman is raped or murdered or harassed, the constant refrain over social media in the face of justifiable outrage is that if women adhered to some pre-decided code of conduct, they would stay safe.
Such is the predicament of all women in this patriarchal society, regardless of socioeconomic background. While transforming the regressive mindset at the top which belittles crimes against women by attributing it to their clothes or ‘character’, we can start by not only ensuring justice in each such case but also looking at reforms in the police and justice system as well as focusing on how mindsets can be changed.
It must be reiterated that what the women of Pakistan need is consistency in justice rather than mere optics of justice. Noor’s case will hopefully prove to be the indication of change that drives the criminal justice system to identify its weaknesses and provide prompt and speedy response for all trials.
