Pakpak
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Polygraph tests are known for their unreliability، their evidence can't be used and are being phased out in the West. Why are they still using it in Pakistan
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Contact the PP Team
Court sentences Zahir Jaffer to death for murder of Noor Mukadam
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A grisly murder in the heart of Islamabad involving families from the privileged elite of Pakistani society has dominated headlines for the past week, stirring national outrage over femicides in the South Asian nation.
Noor Mukadam, 27, the daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found beheaded in a posh neighbourhood of the capital on July 20. Police have charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national and scion of one of Pakistan's wealthiest families, with murder.
Investigators say the two were friends, and Jaffer lured Mukadam, the daughter of Pakistan's former envoy to South Korea, to his home, held her there for two days, and then brutally murdered her.
Hundreds of women are killed in Pakistan annually, and thousands more are victims of brutal violence, but few cases get sustained media attention, and only a small fraction of perpetrators are ever punished.
This killing though, which touched a segment of society that is often thought to be immune to that systemic injustice, has sparked a public outcry unlike any other recent case.
"The status of the families involved, especially the family of Zahir Jaffer, and of course Noor's father being a former ambassador, and this happening within the elite circles of Islamabad...all of that combined definitely has brought more attention to this case," commented Nida Kirmani, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Lahore University of Management Sciences.
Mukadam's murder has become the most keenly reported femicide in recent history. Social media erupted with furious disgust, and there have been protests and vigils in major cities, as well as among the Pakistani diaspora as far away as Canada and the United States.
Facing public anger, the Jaffer family took out full page advertisements in newspapers distancing themselves from the murder and calling for justice.
Life for women in Pakistan's rural areas is markedly different from that in urban centres, particularly Islamabad, where chic cafes and shopping areas cater to the city's mix of wealthy intelligentsia, government officials, diplomats, expatriates, and foreign journalists.
For many women in the country's capital, even that semblance of freedom and safety has been shattered.
"I have daughters, too, and I worry day and night if this happens to my own daughter who will stand with me?," Amna Salman Butt, told Reuters at a vigil for Mukadam in Islamabad this week that drew hundreds. "When someone mistreats us will we have to come up with hashtags too?," she said, referring to the #JusticeForNoor hashtag that has dominated Twitter in Pakistan.
"Every woman I have spoken to after Noor's case speaks about them feeling a heightened sense of fear, from the men around them," said Benazir Shah, a Lahore-based journalist. She said some complain of not being able to sleep at night.
While the daily twists and turns of the trial unfold in the national media gaze, rights groups in Pakistan say the government should pass a landmark bill meant to tackle domestic violence in order to assuage some anger.
The bill streamlines the process for obtaining restraining orders, and defines violence broadly, to include "emotional, psychological and verbal abuse".
Earlier this month, lawmakers sought the opinion of a council of Islamic scholars on whether the legislation adhered to Islamic principles.
Qibla Ayaz, who heads the council, told Reuters they had only informally discussed the bill, but felt its ambiguous language was unacceptable in Pakistan's conservative society.
"Does this mean that a daughter or wife can complain when a father or husband is stopping them from going outside the house? This may not be acceptable to all Pakistanis," he told Reuters.
"We all agree on the goal of stopping violence against women...but our sense is this bill might actually cause new social tension and lead to more domestic violence," Ayaz added.
Express Tribune
Noor Mukadam, 27, the daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found beheaded in a posh neighbourhood of the capital on July 20. Police have charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national and scion of one of Pakistan's wealthiest families, with murder.
Investigators say the two were friends, and Jaffer lured Mukadam, the daughter of Pakistan's former envoy to South Korea, to his home, held her there for two days, and then brutally murdered her.
Hundreds of women are killed in Pakistan annually, and thousands more are victims of brutal violence, but few cases get sustained media attention, and only a small fraction of perpetrators are ever punished.
This killing though, which touched a segment of society that is often thought to be immune to that systemic injustice, has sparked a public outcry unlike any other recent case.
"The status of the families involved, especially the family of Zahir Jaffer, and of course Noor's father being a former ambassador, and this happening within the elite circles of Islamabad...all of that combined definitely has brought more attention to this case," commented Nida Kirmani, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Lahore University of Management Sciences.
Mukadam's murder has become the most keenly reported femicide in recent history. Social media erupted with furious disgust, and there have been protests and vigils in major cities, as well as among the Pakistani diaspora as far away as Canada and the United States.
Facing public anger, the Jaffer family took out full page advertisements in newspapers distancing themselves from the murder and calling for justice.
Life for women in Pakistan's rural areas is markedly different from that in urban centres, particularly Islamabad, where chic cafes and shopping areas cater to the city's mix of wealthy intelligentsia, government officials, diplomats, expatriates, and foreign journalists.
For many women in the country's capital, even that semblance of freedom and safety has been shattered.
"I have daughters, too, and I worry day and night if this happens to my own daughter who will stand with me?," Amna Salman Butt, told Reuters at a vigil for Mukadam in Islamabad this week that drew hundreds. "When someone mistreats us will we have to come up with hashtags too?," she said, referring to the #JusticeForNoor hashtag that has dominated Twitter in Pakistan.
"Every woman I have spoken to after Noor's case speaks about them feeling a heightened sense of fear, from the men around them," said Benazir Shah, a Lahore-based journalist. She said some complain of not being able to sleep at night.
While the daily twists and turns of the trial unfold in the national media gaze, rights groups in Pakistan say the government should pass a landmark bill meant to tackle domestic violence in order to assuage some anger.
The bill streamlines the process for obtaining restraining orders, and defines violence broadly, to include "emotional, psychological and verbal abuse".
Earlier this month, lawmakers sought the opinion of a council of Islamic scholars on whether the legislation adhered to Islamic principles.
Qibla Ayaz, who heads the council, told Reuters they had only informally discussed the bill, but felt its ambiguous language was unacceptable in Pakistan's conservative society.
"Does this mean that a daughter or wife can complain when a father or husband is stopping them from going outside the house? This may not be acceptable to all Pakistanis," he told Reuters.
"We all agree on the goal of stopping violence against women...but our sense is this bill might actually cause new social tension and lead to more domestic violence," Ayaz added.
Express Tribune
Colorblind Genius
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... and that too after he has confessed of the murder.
Lets hope justice is served quickly and this animal is put to face capital punishment immediately.
After this polygraph drama, there will then be another group of NGO's protesting against the death penalty of this scumbag.
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ISLAMABAD: Zahir Jaffer, the alleged killer of former diplomat’s daughter Noor Mukadam, underwent a couple of tests, including polygraph, at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), Lahore, on Friday to verify his statements and evidence collected in connection with the murder.
Besides, samples taken from the victim’s body during the autopsy were also submitted to the agency for tests.
Earlier, the alleged killer was taken into physical custody for three more days on July 28 for verification of his statements and the evidence collected on his disclosures.
Police officers privy to the investigations told Dawn on condition of anonymity that a team of Islamabad police, including investigators, took the alleged killer to Lahore on Thursday night. On Friday, he was taken to the PFSA where he underwent the tests.
Polygraph test (lie detector test) of the accused was conducted to verify his statements given to the police during interrogation, they said, adding it included confession of the crime before police, details of the event and other disclosures which led to recovery of the pieces of evidence.
Besides, videograph test of the accused was also conducted there, the officers said, adding it was conducted to match and verify the accused with the videos recovered by the investigators in which he was chasing the victim and dragging her inside the house.
The investigators obtained the CCTV footage of a camera installed at the neighbourhood of the accused’s house, they said, adding the footage revealed that the victim jumped from the first floor of the house and ran towards the main gate, but it was locked.
Shortly afterwards, she took shelter in a guard’s room, but the accused broke the door and dragged her inside the house, they added.
Samples of the accused were also taken for DNA test to verify sexual assault, if any.
Moreover, the samples of heart, lungs, stomach, liver, spleen and intestine taken from the victim’s body during autopsy were also submitted to the forensic agency, they added.
The police officers said that mobiles of the victim and the accused were also sent to the Federal Investigation Agency to unlock them for forensic tests and retrieval of deleted data. They said that Universal Forensic Extraction Device would be used to extract physical and logical data from the mobiles, including recovery of deleted data.
Investigating officer (IO) of the case Inspector Abdul Sattar told Dawn that about 25 tests were conducted at the PFSA. Besides, samples of the victim were also submitted there, he added.
Polygraph, videograph and DNA test results are awaited, he said, adding there was no timeframe when the results would be delivered to the investigators.
He said the victim and accused were using iPhones and the devices were switched off when sent to the FIA.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2021
Besides, samples taken from the victim’s body during the autopsy were also submitted to the agency for tests.
Earlier, the alleged killer was taken into physical custody for three more days on July 28 for verification of his statements and the evidence collected on his disclosures.
Police officers privy to the investigations told Dawn on condition of anonymity that a team of Islamabad police, including investigators, took the alleged killer to Lahore on Thursday night. On Friday, he was taken to the PFSA where he underwent the tests.
Polygraph test (lie detector test) of the accused was conducted to verify his statements given to the police during interrogation, they said, adding it included confession of the crime before police, details of the event and other disclosures which led to recovery of the pieces of evidence.
Besides, videograph test of the accused was also conducted there, the officers said, adding it was conducted to match and verify the accused with the videos recovered by the investigators in which he was chasing the victim and dragging her inside the house.
The investigators obtained the CCTV footage of a camera installed at the neighbourhood of the accused’s house, they said, adding the footage revealed that the victim jumped from the first floor of the house and ran towards the main gate, but it was locked.
Shortly afterwards, she took shelter in a guard’s room, but the accused broke the door and dragged her inside the house, they added.
Samples of the accused were also taken for DNA test to verify sexual assault, if any.
Moreover, the samples of heart, lungs, stomach, liver, spleen and intestine taken from the victim’s body during autopsy were also submitted to the forensic agency, they added.
The police officers said that mobiles of the victim and the accused were also sent to the Federal Investigation Agency to unlock them for forensic tests and retrieval of deleted data. They said that Universal Forensic Extraction Device would be used to extract physical and logical data from the mobiles, including recovery of deleted data.
Investigating officer (IO) of the case Inspector Abdul Sattar told Dawn that about 25 tests were conducted at the PFSA. Besides, samples of the victim were also submitted there, he added.
Polygraph, videograph and DNA test results are awaited, he said, adding there was no timeframe when the results would be delivered to the investigators.
He said the victim and accused were using iPhones and the devices were switched off when sent to the FIA.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2021
King_Kohli
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Noor Mukadam murder: Court extends Zahir Jaffer's physical remand by two days
ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad on Saturday extended the physical remand of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, for two more days.
The police produced Zahir in court and sought an extension in his custody for further investigations.
The court granted the police a two-day extension for Zahir's custody and directed them to produce the suspect in court on August 2.
Zahir's last court appearance
When Zahir was last brought to court, he was remanded into the police's custody for three days.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the judge asked what the prosecution had to say. Public prosecutor Sajid Cheema said that CCTV camera footage of the incident had been acquired and suspect Zahir had to be taken to Lahore for a forensic exam of the CCTV footage.
For the purpose, the public prosecutor requested the court to grant an extension in Zahir's remand for another three days.
The lawyer of the suspect, meanwhile, argued that if any forensic exam was to be done, it could be done by taking photos. Weapons and mobile phones had already been recovered, so no further physical remand is required, the lawyer contended.
The plaintiff's lawyer said that the suspect has to be taken to Lahore. "If a photo was enough, we would not have asked for [the] remand," he responded by saying.
The public prosecutor said that even in the case of Usman Mirza, they had taken all the suspects to Lahore. "We want to take them to Lahore so that we can find out if the video is edited," he explained.
The court, after arguments from both sides, granted a three-day extension in the remand.
Polygraph test of suspect
A day earlier, the Punjab forensic lab conducted Zahir's polygraph test.
Sources told Geo News that experts at the lab asked the suspect 20 questions. They said that the lab also conducted a forensics analysis of the CCTV footage of the incident.
The sources said that before the test, Zahir kept on "misguiding the officials by making excuses", adding that he had also "acted as if he had fainted".
They said that Zahir Jaffer was "behaving abnormally" during the test.
The murder
Noor, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/362709-noor-mukadam-murder-case-court-extends-suspects-physical-remand-for-two-more-days
ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad on Saturday extended the physical remand of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, for two more days.
The police produced Zahir in court and sought an extension in his custody for further investigations.
The court granted the police a two-day extension for Zahir's custody and directed them to produce the suspect in court on August 2.
Zahir's last court appearance
When Zahir was last brought to court, he was remanded into the police's custody for three days.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the judge asked what the prosecution had to say. Public prosecutor Sajid Cheema said that CCTV camera footage of the incident had been acquired and suspect Zahir had to be taken to Lahore for a forensic exam of the CCTV footage.
For the purpose, the public prosecutor requested the court to grant an extension in Zahir's remand for another three days.
The lawyer of the suspect, meanwhile, argued that if any forensic exam was to be done, it could be done by taking photos. Weapons and mobile phones had already been recovered, so no further physical remand is required, the lawyer contended.
The plaintiff's lawyer said that the suspect has to be taken to Lahore. "If a photo was enough, we would not have asked for [the] remand," he responded by saying.
The public prosecutor said that even in the case of Usman Mirza, they had taken all the suspects to Lahore. "We want to take them to Lahore so that we can find out if the video is edited," he explained.
The court, after arguments from both sides, granted a three-day extension in the remand.
Polygraph test of suspect
A day earlier, the Punjab forensic lab conducted Zahir's polygraph test.
Sources told Geo News that experts at the lab asked the suspect 20 questions. They said that the lab also conducted a forensics analysis of the CCTV footage of the incident.
The sources said that before the test, Zahir kept on "misguiding the officials by making excuses", adding that he had also "acted as if he had fainted".
They said that Zahir Jaffer was "behaving abnormally" during the test.
The murder
Noor, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/362709-noor-mukadam-murder-case-court-extends-suspects-physical-remand-for-two-more-days
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Noor Mukadam's killer to not be 'spared'
The premier also spoke of the Noor Mukadam murder case, saying that he has been closely following the investigation since the beginning, adding that the incident was a very tragic one.
"I must reiterate that no matter how powerful the assailant's family is or whether he is a US national, he is not going to be spared if found guilty," he said.
He also spoke about the matter of the Afghan ambassador's daughter's alleged kidnapping and said that he took personal interest in the case as if she was his own daughter.
"I commend the police for the job they did in the case," the premier said.
The premier also spoke of the Noor Mukadam murder case, saying that he has been closely following the investigation since the beginning, adding that the incident was a very tragic one.
"I must reiterate that no matter how powerful the assailant's family is or whether he is a US national, he is not going to be spared if found guilty," he said.
He also spoke about the matter of the Afghan ambassador's daughter's alleged kidnapping and said that he took personal interest in the case as if she was his own daughter.
"I commend the police for the job they did in the case," the premier said.
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A sessions court in Islamabad sent on Monday the accused in the brutal murder case of Noor Mukadam, Zahir Jaffer, to jail on judicial remand till August 16.
The accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi under tight security on the expiration of his previous two-day physical remand.
During the proceedings, the judicial magistrate inquired how many days had been to the incident. To this, the police informed the court that 12 days had passed and the investigation had been completed.
The accused was directed to approach the rostrum and state his name thrice. The accused did not respond the first time and later stated that his lawyer will speak on his behalf.
The judicial magistrate then asked the suspect if he wanted to say anything, to which he again stated that his lawyer will respond.
The court later sent the accused to jail on judicial remand till August 16 and adjourned the hearing.
Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, was also present at the hearing.
Jaffer, accused of murdering and beheading 27-year-old Noor on June 20, is reported to have since confessed to his crimes. However, sources claim that Jaffer has repeatedly changed his reasoning for committing the crime.
It is to be noted that besides Jaffer, the accused's parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, and their two domestic aides, are also facing a trial for their alleged role in the murder.
On July 30, the Islamabad police took Jaffer to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Lahore, for a polygraph test and forensic analysis of CCTV footage.
The accused was taken to the agency following a July 28 hearing wherein the prosecution was granted his three-day physical remand.
The brutal case of Noor Mukadam sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end. The post-mortem report indicated last week that the victim had succumbed to her injuries before being beheaded.
COMMENTS
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2313461/noors-murder-accused-sent-on-judicial-remand-till-aug-16
The accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi under tight security on the expiration of his previous two-day physical remand.
During the proceedings, the judicial magistrate inquired how many days had been to the incident. To this, the police informed the court that 12 days had passed and the investigation had been completed.
The accused was directed to approach the rostrum and state his name thrice. The accused did not respond the first time and later stated that his lawyer will speak on his behalf.
The judicial magistrate then asked the suspect if he wanted to say anything, to which he again stated that his lawyer will respond.
The court later sent the accused to jail on judicial remand till August 16 and adjourned the hearing.
Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, was also present at the hearing.
Jaffer, accused of murdering and beheading 27-year-old Noor on June 20, is reported to have since confessed to his crimes. However, sources claim that Jaffer has repeatedly changed his reasoning for committing the crime.
It is to be noted that besides Jaffer, the accused's parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, and their two domestic aides, are also facing a trial for their alleged role in the murder.
On July 30, the Islamabad police took Jaffer to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Lahore, for a polygraph test and forensic analysis of CCTV footage.
The accused was taken to the agency following a July 28 hearing wherein the prosecution was granted his three-day physical remand.
The brutal case of Noor Mukadam sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end. The post-mortem report indicated last week that the victim had succumbed to her injuries before being beheaded.
COMMENTS
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2313461/noors-murder-accused-sent-on-judicial-remand-till-aug-16
Colorblind Genius
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Seriously, this is a moronic post on your behalf.
You are talking about a country of 220 million people with literacy rate of 60%.
What else do you expect?
Yes, we have many, many typical problems that any third world country has, and yes we have our own growing pains but can't you see the opposite side of the coin?
If there is one incident of graffiti that must be condemned but then there is also an uproar in many areas of the entire country where people are supporting the victim and their family and demanding for justice. The PM himself is following up on this case.
The monster is locked up and on physical remand, there isn't seem to be a way out for him.
What else do we want IN THIS PARTICULAR case? Let the justice take it's course, and then we will talk.
And now, don't be among the sissies opposing death penalty when it's handed to him, and you start acting like a puppet deeming it to be cruel and brutal because some in the western world think so.
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The same PM who enables and emboldens such acts of violence against women by saying that men are not robots and linking rape with choice of clothing. The same PM who has referred the domestic bill to the CII. The same PM who lacks the guts to speak about the widespread violence against women be it honour killings, rapes and acid attacks. The same PM who says women are treated very well in Pakistan compared to the West. We are the fourth worst country on this planet to be a woman but our PM downplays the plight of women in this country.
I can say with a lot of conviction that Imran Khan’s government narrative of women and its constant moral policing has given a freehand to abusers.
Just yesterday, protests organised for Noor were not given the green light to proceed. It it basically the state telling its women to be silent and wait to be murdered or assaulted.
Colorblind Genius
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What exactly do you want to happen in this particular case in the OP? Can you focus and precisely try to state your point in short and brief?
At least acknowledge the widespread violence against women, draw up policy regarding women protection, educate the masses, stop morally policing women and pass the domestic violence bill.
Colorblind Genius
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and who does not agree with it on this thread?
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A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Wednesday reserved it decision on a bail petition by the parents of Zahir Zakir Jaffer — key suspect in Noor Mukadam's murder. The verdict is to be announced tomorrow.
The brutal murder of Noor, 27, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, came to light on July 20 when she was found dead at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4. A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father.
Later on July 24, Islamabad police had also arrested the parents — Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee — and household staff of Zahir for "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". The parents were later sent to jail on judicial remand till Aug 9 and subsequently moved a bail petition against their detention.
During the hearing today, the parents' counsel, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, read out the FIR registered on July 20.
"Since the first day, my client has publicly condemned the murder. We stand with the affected party [and] we don't stand with our son," the counsel argued in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Sheikh Muhammad Sohail.
He said the parents were made a part of the investigation on the basis of their son's statement and that they did not know what was happening in the house where Noor and Zahir were present.
Abbasi questioned what false information his clients had provided or what evidence they had hidden, claiming that there was such evidence on record.
Meanwhile, public prosecutor Naseem Zia argued that at the time of murder the primary suspect was in contact with the parents, who did not inform the police. "The servant called [them] when the act (Noor's murder) was being committed but instead of sending police, they sent [employees of] Therapy Works."
The prosecutor argued that a pistol was also recovered from the suspect, and that it was registered in his father's name.
"They tried to save their child on the basis of dishonesty. The bail application should be rejected at this stage," the prosecutor said.
Shah Khawar, the counsel for Shaukat Mukadam, told the court that CCTV footage tie up the parents with the case, adding that the suspect had called his father three times in the evening of July 20 and his mother at 3pm.
"This was the time when Noor Mukadam was with Zahir Jaffer. The police station is half a kilometre away [yet] the watchman was not asked to go there.
"Prima facie, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat's act connects with the suspect and that is enough," Khawar said.
At this, the parent's counsel replied: "Is it a crime for a mother and a son to have contact?"
"This is routine communication," he said, stressing that no script, voice message or WhatsApp message to indicate complicity were found.
Last week, the Jaffer family had issued a statement condemning the actions of the primary suspect in the case.
"The Jaffer family extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Noor Mukadam. We pray her soul rests in eternal peace. We know that no amount of time will bring back the joy you have lost nor ease your pain.
"Our shock and grief at this horrific act has led to a prolonged silence that we very much regret. However, we categorically condemn this atrocity and forever denounce Zahir and his actions," it had said.
The brutal murder of Noor, 27, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, came to light on July 20 when she was found dead at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4. A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father.
Later on July 24, Islamabad police had also arrested the parents — Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee — and household staff of Zahir for "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". The parents were later sent to jail on judicial remand till Aug 9 and subsequently moved a bail petition against their detention.
During the hearing today, the parents' counsel, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, read out the FIR registered on July 20.
"Since the first day, my client has publicly condemned the murder. We stand with the affected party [and] we don't stand with our son," the counsel argued in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Sheikh Muhammad Sohail.
He said the parents were made a part of the investigation on the basis of their son's statement and that they did not know what was happening in the house where Noor and Zahir were present.
Abbasi questioned what false information his clients had provided or what evidence they had hidden, claiming that there was such evidence on record.
Meanwhile, public prosecutor Naseem Zia argued that at the time of murder the primary suspect was in contact with the parents, who did not inform the police. "The servant called [them] when the act (Noor's murder) was being committed but instead of sending police, they sent [employees of] Therapy Works."
The prosecutor argued that a pistol was also recovered from the suspect, and that it was registered in his father's name.
"They tried to save their child on the basis of dishonesty. The bail application should be rejected at this stage," the prosecutor said.
Shah Khawar, the counsel for Shaukat Mukadam, told the court that CCTV footage tie up the parents with the case, adding that the suspect had called his father three times in the evening of July 20 and his mother at 3pm.
"This was the time when Noor Mukadam was with Zahir Jaffer. The police station is half a kilometre away [yet] the watchman was not asked to go there.
"Prima facie, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat's act connects with the suspect and that is enough," Khawar said.
At this, the parent's counsel replied: "Is it a crime for a mother and a son to have contact?"
"This is routine communication," he said, stressing that no script, voice message or WhatsApp message to indicate complicity were found.
Last week, the Jaffer family had issued a statement condemning the actions of the primary suspect in the case.
"The Jaffer family extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Noor Mukadam. We pray her soul rests in eternal peace. We know that no amount of time will bring back the joy you have lost nor ease your pain.
"Our shock and grief at this horrific act has led to a prolonged silence that we very much regret. However, we categorically condemn this atrocity and forever denounce Zahir and his actions," it had said.
King_Kohli
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Noor Mukadam murder case: Court rejects bail pleas of main suspect Zahir Jaffer's parents
ISLAMABAD: The bail pleas of the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, have been rejected.
Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee had filed a bail application in a local court in Islamabad stating that they were not with their son and did not know that such a thing was happening at home.
The public prosecutor said that the suspect had been in touch with his parents, but they did not inform the police. He argued that they tried to save their son. "When the employee called, the act was happening but they sent therapists instead of the police. The pistol is also in the name of the suspect's father Zakir Jaffer," the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said that call history, CDR, DVR and CCTV footage can be seen. He said the parents tried to save their child on the basis of dishonesty and that, at this stage, their bail application should be rejected.
A day earlier, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Sohail of Islamabad reserved judgment on the bail pleas of Zahir's parents. It was announced Thursday morning that the court rejected the pleas of the parents.
Noor, a 28-year-old girl, was murdered with a sharp instrument in Islamabad's F-7 area within the Kohsar police station on July 20.
Police arrested accused Zahir Jaffer in Noor's murder case on July 20, while his parents were arrested on July 25. They were arrested on charges of concealing the crime of the main suspect.
The government has blacklisted Zahir and Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has said that all evidence regarding the case is complete.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/363593-noor-mukadam-murder-case-court-rejects-bail-pleas-of-main-suspect-zahir-jaffers-parents
ISLAMABAD: The bail pleas of the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, have been rejected.
Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee had filed a bail application in a local court in Islamabad stating that they were not with their son and did not know that such a thing was happening at home.
The public prosecutor said that the suspect had been in touch with his parents, but they did not inform the police. He argued that they tried to save their son. "When the employee called, the act was happening but they sent therapists instead of the police. The pistol is also in the name of the suspect's father Zakir Jaffer," the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said that call history, CDR, DVR and CCTV footage can be seen. He said the parents tried to save their child on the basis of dishonesty and that, at this stage, their bail application should be rejected.
A day earlier, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Sohail of Islamabad reserved judgment on the bail pleas of Zahir's parents. It was announced Thursday morning that the court rejected the pleas of the parents.
Noor, a 28-year-old girl, was murdered with a sharp instrument in Islamabad's F-7 area within the Kohsar police station on July 20.
Police arrested accused Zahir Jaffer in Noor's murder case on July 20, while his parents were arrested on July 25. They were arrested on charges of concealing the crime of the main suspect.
The government has blacklisted Zahir and Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has said that all evidence regarding the case is complete.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/363593-noor-mukadam-murder-case-court-rejects-bail-pleas-of-main-suspect-zahir-jaffers-parents
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A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Monday extended till August 23 the judicial remand of parents and two household staffers of Zahir Zakir Jaffer — prime suspect in Noor Mukadam's murder.
The extension was sought following the expiry of their previous two-week remand pronounced on July 27. After judicial magistrate Naseeruddin granted a fresh extension of remand today, the suspects are now set to remain in Adiala Jail for another 14 days.
On August 5, the sessions court had dismissed bail application filed by Jaffer's parents and noted in its "tentative assessment" that the suspects "not only caused abetment but also made utmost efforts to wipe off evidence".
"The way the things have gone through leads me to observe that there is reasonable ground to believe that petitioners/accused have committed non-bailable offences. As such, I am not inclined to grant bail to the petitioners/accused and consequently, the instant post-arrest bail application is hereby dismissed," copy of the detailed court judgement read.
The brutal murder of Noor, 27, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, came to light on July 20 when she was found dead at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4.
The background
The barbaric murder was widely condemned countrywide with civil society members, human rights activists and lawmakers calling for retribution for her killing.
A first information report (FIR) was registered on July 20 — the same day Mukaddam was killed — against Jaffer, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father.
In his complaint, Shaukat Mukadam had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number to be switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, son of Zakir Jaffer, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Mukadam, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
DAWN
The extension was sought following the expiry of their previous two-week remand pronounced on July 27. After judicial magistrate Naseeruddin granted a fresh extension of remand today, the suspects are now set to remain in Adiala Jail for another 14 days.
On August 5, the sessions court had dismissed bail application filed by Jaffer's parents and noted in its "tentative assessment" that the suspects "not only caused abetment but also made utmost efforts to wipe off evidence".
"The way the things have gone through leads me to observe that there is reasonable ground to believe that petitioners/accused have committed non-bailable offences. As such, I am not inclined to grant bail to the petitioners/accused and consequently, the instant post-arrest bail application is hereby dismissed," copy of the detailed court judgement read.
The brutal murder of Noor, 27, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, came to light on July 20 when she was found dead at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4.
The background
The barbaric murder was widely condemned countrywide with civil society members, human rights activists and lawmakers calling for retribution for her killing.
A first information report (FIR) was registered on July 20 — the same day Mukaddam was killed — against Jaffer, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father.
In his complaint, Shaukat Mukadam had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number to be switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, son of Zakir Jaffer, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Mukadam, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
DAWN
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All suspects in Noor Mukadam case placed on ECL: Rashid
LAHORE: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Tuesday said the government has placed all suspects – including the parents of prime accused Zahir Jaffer – linked to the murder of Noor Mukadam on the no-fly list to bar them from leaving Pakistan.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the interior minister said the decision to place the suspects on the Exit Control List (ECL) was taken in a meeting held on Monday to discuss progress in the case.
Mukadam, a daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found vrutally murdered in a posh neighbourhood of the federal capital on July 20. Subsequently, the police charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national, with murder.
According to investigators, the two were friends, and Jaffer lured Mukadam, the daughter of Pakistan's former envoy to South Korea, to his home, held her hostage for two days, and then committed the brutal act.
Rashid, in his talk with the media, also expressed resolve to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram amid strict compliance with the Covid-18 SOPs.
He said in order to ensure security in Muharram, the government has decided to suspend 3G and 4G services from Muharram 1 to Muharram 10 in the newly merged districts of K-P.
The interior minister appealed to the mourners to strictly observe precautionary measures as laid down by the National Command and Operations Centre to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and said he has already directed the chief secretaries and police chiefs of all provinces to provide foolproof security to the Shia community. More security measures will be announced in the next two days, he added.
Responding to a question regarding the Dasu bus attack, the minister said law enforcement agencies have completed their investigation in the Dasu bus blast case and the foreign minister will disclose the details along with Chinese officials at an appropriate time.
Rashid further reiterated that Pakistan was not interfering in occupied Kashmir as claimed by the Indian home minister. He said Line of Control (LoC) was completely fenced and no fighters from the Pakistani side of the border were entering Indian Illegaly Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Indian ministry should provide evidence to back such claims up, he added.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314897/all-suspects-in-noor-mukadam-case-placed-on-ecl-rashid
LAHORE: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Tuesday said the government has placed all suspects – including the parents of prime accused Zahir Jaffer – linked to the murder of Noor Mukadam on the no-fly list to bar them from leaving Pakistan.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the interior minister said the decision to place the suspects on the Exit Control List (ECL) was taken in a meeting held on Monday to discuss progress in the case.
Mukadam, a daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found vrutally murdered in a posh neighbourhood of the federal capital on July 20. Subsequently, the police charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national, with murder.
According to investigators, the two were friends, and Jaffer lured Mukadam, the daughter of Pakistan's former envoy to South Korea, to his home, held her hostage for two days, and then committed the brutal act.
Rashid, in his talk with the media, also expressed resolve to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram amid strict compliance with the Covid-18 SOPs.
He said in order to ensure security in Muharram, the government has decided to suspend 3G and 4G services from Muharram 1 to Muharram 10 in the newly merged districts of K-P.
The interior minister appealed to the mourners to strictly observe precautionary measures as laid down by the National Command and Operations Centre to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and said he has already directed the chief secretaries and police chiefs of all provinces to provide foolproof security to the Shia community. More security measures will be announced in the next two days, he added.
Responding to a question regarding the Dasu bus attack, the minister said law enforcement agencies have completed their investigation in the Dasu bus blast case and the foreign minister will disclose the details along with Chinese officials at an appropriate time.
Rashid further reiterated that Pakistan was not interfering in occupied Kashmir as claimed by the Indian home minister. He said Line of Control (LoC) was completely fenced and no fighters from the Pakistani side of the border were entering Indian Illegaly Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Indian ministry should provide evidence to back such claims up, he added.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2314897/all-suspects-in-noor-mukadam-case-placed-on-ecl-rashid
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LAHORE: Forensic report on Wednesday has revealed that Noor Mukadam was raped by Zahir Jaffar before being brutally killed, ARY News reported.
On July 20, Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former ambassador, had been put to death allegedly by her friend Zahir, in the vicinity of Islamabad’s Kohsar police station.
As per details, the rape was confirmed in the forensic report as the DNA of Zahir Jaffar, matched with deceased Noor , daughter of former Pakistan envoy to South Korea.
Unmute
Furthermore, the fingers prints found on the knife used to murder Noor have also matched with Jaffar’s fingerprints.
The forensic report has also confirmed that the man and woman seen in the CCTV footage are Zahir Jaffar and Noor Mukadam.
ARY
On July 20, Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former ambassador, had been put to death allegedly by her friend Zahir, in the vicinity of Islamabad’s Kohsar police station.
As per details, the rape was confirmed in the forensic report as the DNA of Zahir Jaffar, matched with deceased Noor , daughter of former Pakistan envoy to South Korea.
Unmute
Furthermore, the fingers prints found on the knife used to murder Noor have also matched with Jaffar’s fingerprints.
The forensic report has also confirmed that the man and woman seen in the CCTV footage are Zahir Jaffar and Noor Mukadam.
ARY
BunnyRabbit
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I just hope they hang this animal as quick as possible and start executing all the child molesters, rapists and kidnappers etc so all this sick breed of individuals actually start thinking about the consequence before doing such heinous crimes. Arresting and imprisonment isn't going to change anyone.
Colorblind Genius
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Probably true.
We already have an explosive growth in population. Why not reduce it a little by putting convicted rapists, killers and pedophiles to death?
I have no sympathy for these sick monsters. The world will be a better place without them.
BunnyRabbit
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I don't believe animals like these reform by just staying in the prison.
Like "The Punisher" said, you put such sick criminals in jail, and when they get released, they start the same thing all over again.
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In more development made in the brutal murder case of Noor Mukadam, six people, including owner of Therapy Works, Dr Tahir, were arrested on Sunday.
Zahir Jaffer, the murder accused was reportedly practicing as a psychotherapist after enrolling in a certification course from Therapy Works.
A statement from the organisation claimed that Jaffer did not complete his Level 4 training and “was never ever given permission to see clients,” However, an Instagram photo on their page that has since been deleted, features a group of its Level 5 candidates including Jaffer.
This led to a deeper investigation into the organisation, with its legitimacy being questioned.
According to the Islamabad police, six individuals have been accused of concealing evidence after meeting with Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer.
Among those arrested was Amjad, who was also maimed after being stabbed by Jaffer the day he was arrested for the murder.
The Kohsar police station official presented the accused in the court of district magistrate Shehzad Khan, who approved their one-day physical remand.
A day earlier, the police had also arrested Jaffer’s gardener and sent him on a judicial remand.
27-year-old Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found beheaded in a posh neighbourhood of the capital on July 20. Police have charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national and scion of one of Pakistan's wealthiest families, with murder.
After the arrest of the accused, the police have decided to add relevant clauses of the law in the case.
The case of Noor’s murder sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end.
Zahir Jaffer, the murder accused was reportedly practicing as a psychotherapist after enrolling in a certification course from Therapy Works.
A statement from the organisation claimed that Jaffer did not complete his Level 4 training and “was never ever given permission to see clients,” However, an Instagram photo on their page that has since been deleted, features a group of its Level 5 candidates including Jaffer.
This led to a deeper investigation into the organisation, with its legitimacy being questioned.
According to the Islamabad police, six individuals have been accused of concealing evidence after meeting with Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer.
Among those arrested was Amjad, who was also maimed after being stabbed by Jaffer the day he was arrested for the murder.
The Kohsar police station official presented the accused in the court of district magistrate Shehzad Khan, who approved their one-day physical remand.
A day earlier, the police had also arrested Jaffer’s gardener and sent him on a judicial remand.
27-year-old Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was found beheaded in a posh neighbourhood of the capital on July 20. Police have charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national and scion of one of Pakistan's wealthiest families, with murder.
After the arrest of the accused, the police have decided to add relevant clauses of the law in the case.
The case of Noor’s murder sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end.
OMB
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Noor Mukadam murder: Islamabad court extends Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand till August 30
Judge approves police request to conduct DNA tests of Zahir Jaffer's two employees.
Six employees of Therapy Works to be brought before court today.
Noor, 27, was murdered and her head severed on July 20. Zahir Jaffer is the prime suspect in her murder case.
ISLAMABAD: A judicial magistrate extended the remand of Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, till August 30 on Monday.
Noor Mukadam case: Probe reveals Zahir Jaffer made several calls after murder 'to wriggle free of situation'
Police submitted a request before the judge, seeking permission to conduct the DNA tests of Jaffer's two employees, Raheel and Iftikhar, who were brought before the court from Adiala Jail.
Six employees of Therapy Works, a counselling and psychotherapy centre in Islamabad, were also arrested by the police. They will be presented before an Islamabad court as police will seek an extension in their remand as well.
Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works have been accused of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
The accused were arrested on August 14.
Shortly after Noor Mukadam's murder and the revelation that Zahir Jaffer was employed as a therapist there, Therapy Works had issued the following statement:
“Zahir Jaffer was enrolled as a student in UK Level 3 from September 2015 to September 2016. After this, he joined UK Level 4 from October 2016 to June 2018. He did not complete his coursework and International Essays, and accordingly was never ever given permission to see clients."
However, a now-deleted post by Therapy Works on their Instagram page featured Zahir Jaffer, among the centre's UK Level five candidates.
The murder
Noor, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to the police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/365537-islamabad-court-extends-jaff
Judge approves police request to conduct DNA tests of Zahir Jaffer's two employees.
Six employees of Therapy Works to be brought before court today.
Noor, 27, was murdered and her head severed on July 20. Zahir Jaffer is the prime suspect in her murder case.
ISLAMABAD: A judicial magistrate extended the remand of Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, till August 30 on Monday.
Noor Mukadam case: Probe reveals Zahir Jaffer made several calls after murder 'to wriggle free of situation'
Police submitted a request before the judge, seeking permission to conduct the DNA tests of Jaffer's two employees, Raheel and Iftikhar, who were brought before the court from Adiala Jail.
Six employees of Therapy Works, a counselling and psychotherapy centre in Islamabad, were also arrested by the police. They will be presented before an Islamabad court as police will seek an extension in their remand as well.
Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works have been accused of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
The accused were arrested on August 14.
Shortly after Noor Mukadam's murder and the revelation that Zahir Jaffer was employed as a therapist there, Therapy Works had issued the following statement:
“Zahir Jaffer was enrolled as a student in UK Level 3 from September 2015 to September 2016. After this, he joined UK Level 4 from October 2016 to June 2018. He did not complete his coursework and International Essays, and accordingly was never ever given permission to see clients."
However, a now-deleted post by Therapy Works on their Instagram page featured Zahir Jaffer, among the centre's UK Level five candidates.
The murder
Noor, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to the police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/365537-islamabad-court-extends-jaff
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ISLAMABAD: Shoukat Ali Mukadam, the father of slain Noor Mukadam, Thursday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the Therapy Works CEO and five other employees in his daughter’s murder case.
A sessions court in Islamabad Monday granted bail to six officials of Therapy Works, including its Chief Executive Officer Tahir Zahoor, in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
Related items
Noor Mukadam murder: Islamabad court extends Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand till August 30
Noor Mukadam case: Court extends judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer's parents till August 23
Noor Mukadam murder case: Court rejects bail pleas of main suspect Zahir Jaffer's parents
In his petition, Shoukat Mukadam said that the officials of Therapy Works were present when the gruesome murder occurred. The sessions court avoided the rules laid down by the Supreme Court when granting bail to the suspects, read the petition.
Noor Mukadam’s father said that the Therapy Works CEO and its other employees had been threatening him.
He argued that the suspects concealed evidence and pleaded the court to nullify the sessions court’s orders and repeal the bail granted to the suspects.
If the bail is not revoked, the applicant may suffer irreparable damage, said Mukadam’s father.
Court extends Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand till August 30
A judicial magistrate on August 16 had extended the remand of Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, till August 30.
Police had submitted a request before the judge, seeking permission to conduct the DNA tests of Jaffer's two employees, Raheel and Iftikhar, who were brought before the court from Adiala Jail.
Six employees of Therapy Works, a counselling and psychotherapy centre in Islamabad, were also arrested by the police.
Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works had been accused of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
The accused were arrested on August 14.
Court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
On August 5, the bail pleas of the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, had been rejected.
Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee had filed a bail application in a local court in Islamabad stating that they were not with their son and did not know that such a thing was happening at home.
The public prosecutor had said that the suspect had been in touch with his parents, but they did not inform the police. He had argued that they tried to save their son. "When the employee called, the act was happening but they sent therapists instead of the police. The pistol is also in the name of the suspect's father Zakir Jaffer," the prosecutor had said.
A sessions court in Islamabad Monday granted bail to six officials of Therapy Works, including its Chief Executive Officer Tahir Zahoor, in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
Related items
Noor Mukadam murder: Islamabad court extends Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand till August 30
Noor Mukadam case: Court extends judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer's parents till August 23
Noor Mukadam murder case: Court rejects bail pleas of main suspect Zahir Jaffer's parents
In his petition, Shoukat Mukadam said that the officials of Therapy Works were present when the gruesome murder occurred. The sessions court avoided the rules laid down by the Supreme Court when granting bail to the suspects, read the petition.
Noor Mukadam’s father said that the Therapy Works CEO and its other employees had been threatening him.
He argued that the suspects concealed evidence and pleaded the court to nullify the sessions court’s orders and repeal the bail granted to the suspects.
If the bail is not revoked, the applicant may suffer irreparable damage, said Mukadam’s father.
Court extends Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand till August 30
A judicial magistrate on August 16 had extended the remand of Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, till August 30.
Police had submitted a request before the judge, seeking permission to conduct the DNA tests of Jaffer's two employees, Raheel and Iftikhar, who were brought before the court from Adiala Jail.
Six employees of Therapy Works, a counselling and psychotherapy centre in Islamabad, were also arrested by the police.
Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works had been accused of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir Jaffer's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
The accused were arrested on August 14.
Court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
On August 5, the bail pleas of the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, had been rejected.
Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee had filed a bail application in a local court in Islamabad stating that they were not with their son and did not know that such a thing was happening at home.
The public prosecutor had said that the suspect had been in touch with his parents, but they did not inform the police. He had argued that they tried to save their son. "When the employee called, the act was happening but they sent therapists instead of the police. The pistol is also in the name of the suspect's father Zakir Jaffer," the prosecutor had said.
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The Islamabad High Court issued notices to six of the co-accused, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Therapy Works Dr Tahir Zahoor Ahmed, regarding their involvement in Noor Mukadam’s brutal murder, on Friday.
The notices came after Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, approached the IHC a day earlier, to challenge the bail granted to the Therapy Works CEO and six other employees.
Three days ago, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Ata Rabbani had granted bail to Dr Tahir Zahoor Ahmed, Amjad Mehmood, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq Riaz, and Samar Abbas.
The petitioner said that the sessions court judge did not fulfill the criteria of justice and pleaded to nullify its decision of granting bails. He added that the lower court ignored the rules and regulations laid out by the Supreme Court (SC) while granting bails to the suspects.
A single bench comprising Justice Aamir Farooq heard Shaukat Mukadam’s petition today.
Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi requested the cancellation of the bail granted to the six accused, as well as Dr Tahir, adding that the petition details how the additional sessions judge was misled.
The FIR of the case was also presented before the court.
“Eleven accused individuals were arrested after supplementary statements, CCTV and CDR evidence was presented,” the barrister maintained.
According to Abbasi, a different judge had rejected the bail of Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee, the parents of the primary suspect, Zahir Jaffer.
The court asked if that had actually happened, to which Abbasi replied in the affirmative. The court then sought a reply from the involved parties and adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
The bereaved father has maintained that facts regarding the injury of suspect Amjad Mehmood were not disclosed while all suspects were present at the crime scene at the time of the incident.
The petitioner said the accused were also threatening his family that could cause an irreparable loss if the bails were not cancelled.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2317359/ihc-hears-fathers-plea-challenging-bail-to-accused-in-noor-case
The notices came after Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, approached the IHC a day earlier, to challenge the bail granted to the Therapy Works CEO and six other employees.
Three days ago, Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Ata Rabbani had granted bail to Dr Tahir Zahoor Ahmed, Amjad Mehmood, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq Riaz, and Samar Abbas.
The petitioner said that the sessions court judge did not fulfill the criteria of justice and pleaded to nullify its decision of granting bails. He added that the lower court ignored the rules and regulations laid out by the Supreme Court (SC) while granting bails to the suspects.
A single bench comprising Justice Aamir Farooq heard Shaukat Mukadam’s petition today.
Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi requested the cancellation of the bail granted to the six accused, as well as Dr Tahir, adding that the petition details how the additional sessions judge was misled.
The FIR of the case was also presented before the court.
“Eleven accused individuals were arrested after supplementary statements, CCTV and CDR evidence was presented,” the barrister maintained.
According to Abbasi, a different judge had rejected the bail of Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee, the parents of the primary suspect, Zahir Jaffer.
The court asked if that had actually happened, to which Abbasi replied in the affirmative. The court then sought a reply from the involved parties and adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
The bereaved father has maintained that facts regarding the injury of suspect Amjad Mehmood were not disclosed while all suspects were present at the crime scene at the time of the incident.
The petitioner said the accused were also threatening his family that could cause an irreparable loss if the bails were not cancelled.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2317359/ihc-hears-fathers-plea-challenging-bail-to-accused-in-noor-case
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Former Pakistan ambassador Shaukat Mukadam, the father of murder victim Noor Mukadam, has said that both he and his wife have the firm belief that the killer of their daughter will be given the death sentence.
"I have the firm conviction that the murderer of my daughter, Zahir Zakir Jaffer, will be awarded the death sentence," he told Geo News on Friday.
Noor's father said that the parents remain optimistic about the speedy delivery of justice in the case, having firm belief in the police and Pakistan's judicial system.
He said he was satisfied with the ongoing investigation, brushing aside all rumours and the impression that he was in a state of hopelessness when it comes the probe into his daughter's murder.
"Reading words such as hopelessness gives the wrong impression to the public, implying not only that I've lost hope but that the police are not helping me. This is wrong. The police are doing their duty and the whole Pakistani nation is with me," Mukadam said, resolutely.
The murder
Noor Mukadam, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to the police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
The suspects
Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the murder, is under police custody. A judicial magistrate had on August 16 extended his remand till August 30.
His parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee are also arrested and behind bars, with a bail application rejected by court.
Besides the parents, two domestic workers, a cook and a guard, identified as Iftikhar and Jameel, were also arrested.
Six employees of Therapy Works were also arrested by the police on August 14. Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works are suspected of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/367639-have-firm-conviction-noors-killer-will-be-sentenced-to-death-father
"I have the firm conviction that the murderer of my daughter, Zahir Zakir Jaffer, will be awarded the death sentence," he told Geo News on Friday.
Noor's father said that the parents remain optimistic about the speedy delivery of justice in the case, having firm belief in the police and Pakistan's judicial system.
He said he was satisfied with the ongoing investigation, brushing aside all rumours and the impression that he was in a state of hopelessness when it comes the probe into his daughter's murder.
"Reading words such as hopelessness gives the wrong impression to the public, implying not only that I've lost hope but that the police are not helping me. This is wrong. The police are doing their duty and the whole Pakistani nation is with me," Mukadam said, resolutely.
The murder
Noor Mukadam, 27, was murdered in the federal capital on July 20, in the city's F-7 area, according to the police.
She is the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
The Islamabad police arrested suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
The suspects
Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the murder, is under police custody. A judicial magistrate had on August 16 extended his remand till August 30.
His parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee are also arrested and behind bars, with a bail application rejected by court.
Besides the parents, two domestic workers, a cook and a guard, identified as Iftikhar and Jameel, were also arrested.
Six employees of Therapy Works were also arrested by the police on August 14. Jaffer was working as a psychotherapist at Therapy Works after doing a certification from the centre.
The six employees of Therapy Works are suspected of concealing evidence after meeting Zahir's father, Zakir Jaffer. They were named by the plaintiff in a supplementary statement submitted to the court.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/367639-have-firm-conviction-noors-killer-will-be-sentenced-to-death-father
OMB
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Zahir Jaffer's judicial remand extended till Sept 6
Accused in Noor murder case was presented before court following expiration of previous 14-day remand
A district and sessions court of Islamabad extended on Monday judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect behind the brutal murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukaddam, till September 6.
Earlier, Jaffer was produced in the Islamabad katcheri, before judicial magistrate Muhammd Imran.
The police, following the proceeding, took the main suspect in the murder case back to the Adiala Jail.
Jaffer was produced before the court following the completion of his 14-day remand in the case.
On August 16, a local court extended Jaffer's and his staff's judicial remand till August 30. The court also approved the police’s application of DNA tests of the co-accused, Iftikhar and Jamil.
Deputy Judicial Magistrate Saqib Jawad conducted three separate hearings of the Noor Mukadam murder case.
IHC hears father's plea challenging bail to accused in Noor case
During the first hearing, the prime suspect was brought to the court from Adiala Jail on completion of his judicial remand where his attendance was marked from a 'Bakshi Khana'. The suspect was not presented in court and was taken back to jail.
In the second hearing, the court heard the police’s application for allowing DNA tests of co-suspects Iftikhar and Jamil. They were also brought from Adiala Jail and not presented before the court.
The court carried out the hearing on the application and allowed the police to conduct DNA tests of both suspects.
Moreover, the six staffers of Therapy Works were produced in the court after the completion of their one-day physical remand. The suspects, including owner Dr Tahir Zahoor Ahmed, were granted one-day physical remand.
The police said that the staffers hid the evidence in collusion with the prime suspect’s father. However, they were later granted on bail.
The murder and beheading of Noor Mukadam sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2317745/zahir-jaffers-judicial-remand-extended-till-sept-6
Accused in Noor murder case was presented before court following expiration of previous 14-day remand
A district and sessions court of Islamabad extended on Monday judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect behind the brutal murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukaddam, till September 6.
Earlier, Jaffer was produced in the Islamabad katcheri, before judicial magistrate Muhammd Imran.
The police, following the proceeding, took the main suspect in the murder case back to the Adiala Jail.
Jaffer was produced before the court following the completion of his 14-day remand in the case.
On August 16, a local court extended Jaffer's and his staff's judicial remand till August 30. The court also approved the police’s application of DNA tests of the co-accused, Iftikhar and Jamil.
Deputy Judicial Magistrate Saqib Jawad conducted three separate hearings of the Noor Mukadam murder case.
IHC hears father's plea challenging bail to accused in Noor case
During the first hearing, the prime suspect was brought to the court from Adiala Jail on completion of his judicial remand where his attendance was marked from a 'Bakshi Khana'. The suspect was not presented in court and was taken back to jail.
In the second hearing, the court heard the police’s application for allowing DNA tests of co-suspects Iftikhar and Jamil. They were also brought from Adiala Jail and not presented before the court.
The court carried out the hearing on the application and allowed the police to conduct DNA tests of both suspects.
Moreover, the six staffers of Therapy Works were produced in the court after the completion of their one-day physical remand. The suspects, including owner Dr Tahir Zahoor Ahmed, were granted one-day physical remand.
The police said that the staffers hid the evidence in collusion with the prime suspect’s father. However, they were later granted on bail.
The murder and beheading of Noor Mukadam sparked nationwide outrage with thousands of people calling on the authorities to take the case to its logical end.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2317745/zahir-jaffers-judicial-remand-extended-till-sept-6
OMB
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Police submit challan in Noor Mukadam murder case
Police on Thursday submitted the challan in the Noor Mukadam murder case to a sessions court in Islamabad.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani, presiding over the case after it was transferred to him from Sessions Judge Kamran Basharat Mufti, said copies of the challan would be distributed in the next hearing on September 23 once all suspects were present.
Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer — the prime suspect in the murder case, his parents and three of their household staff, identified as Iftikhar, Jan Muhammad and Jameel, till the next hearing.
The judge also summoned six Therapyworks employees who are suspects in the case, on Sept 23. Therapyworks, a counselling and psychotherapy service, had come under public scrutiny as the murder investigation unfolded and it was revealed that the primary suspect was associated with it.
During the hearing on Thursday, the counsel for Zahir's parents, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, said that the six Therapyworks employees were given bail and the court should issue a summons notice to them.
He also said a request for an in-camera hearing would be submitted to which the judge responded: "The application will be looked at in accordance with the law once it is submitted."
Zahir, his parents — Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee — and the three other suspects were present in today's hearing.
Delays in challan submission
Thursday's challan submission came after a considerable delay, with the deadline having already expired in mid-August.
Police officers involved in the investigation had told Dawn on condition of anonymity that under the law, the challan of a case should be submitted to the court within 14 days after the suspect is sent on judicial remand.
The main suspect in the murder case, Zahir, was sent on judicial remand on Aug 2.
When contacted, investigating officer of the case, Inspector Abdul Sattar, had confirmed to Dawn that neither a complete nor an incomplete challan had been submitted to the court. He said some reports were awaited which had resulted in the delay.
“Not submitting the challan to the court within the legal deadline is a violation of the law,” another officer had said, adding the investigators should have followed the rules.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20.
A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Zahir's parents and household staff were also arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Shaukat's statement, according to a police spokesperson.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1645415/police-submit-challan-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
Police on Thursday submitted the challan in the Noor Mukadam murder case to a sessions court in Islamabad.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani, presiding over the case after it was transferred to him from Sessions Judge Kamran Basharat Mufti, said copies of the challan would be distributed in the next hearing on September 23 once all suspects were present.
Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial remand of Zahir Jaffer — the prime suspect in the murder case, his parents and three of their household staff, identified as Iftikhar, Jan Muhammad and Jameel, till the next hearing.
The judge also summoned six Therapyworks employees who are suspects in the case, on Sept 23. Therapyworks, a counselling and psychotherapy service, had come under public scrutiny as the murder investigation unfolded and it was revealed that the primary suspect was associated with it.
During the hearing on Thursday, the counsel for Zahir's parents, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, said that the six Therapyworks employees were given bail and the court should issue a summons notice to them.
He also said a request for an in-camera hearing would be submitted to which the judge responded: "The application will be looked at in accordance with the law once it is submitted."
Zahir, his parents — Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee — and the three other suspects were present in today's hearing.
Delays in challan submission
Thursday's challan submission came after a considerable delay, with the deadline having already expired in mid-August.
Police officers involved in the investigation had told Dawn on condition of anonymity that under the law, the challan of a case should be submitted to the court within 14 days after the suspect is sent on judicial remand.
The main suspect in the murder case, Zahir, was sent on judicial remand on Aug 2.
When contacted, investigating officer of the case, Inspector Abdul Sattar, had confirmed to Dawn that neither a complete nor an incomplete challan had been submitted to the court. He said some reports were awaited which had resulted in the delay.
“Not submitting the challan to the court within the legal deadline is a violation of the law,” another officer had said, adding the investigators should have followed the rules.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20.
A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Zahir's parents and household staff were also arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Shaukat's statement, according to a police spokesperson.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1645415/police-submit-challan-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
Dr_Bassim
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Rest of the world - its a murder case and the perpetrator should be hanged.
Pakistan - well she was dating being a Muslim so she was taking a risk and paid the price.
Pakistan - well she was dating being a Muslim so she was taking a risk and paid the price.
Savak
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The police is working hard to destroy all the evidence. You will not find an easier open and shut case anywhere but they will find a way to get him off the hook on a technicality. Imran Khan has to take a personal interest in the case himself
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ISLAMABAD: Noor Mukadam lost six life-saving opportunities due to the active connivance of the accomplices of the principal accused, Zahir Jaffer, in her murder, according to the investigation report of Islamabad police submitted to the trial court.
“Her life could have been saved had the accomplices acted otherwise,” claimed the report commonly known as challan under section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The challan submitted to Additional District and Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani stated that Noor tried to escape twice from the illegal detention of Jaffer. However, due to collusion of the security guard and a gardener, she could not managed to get herself free.
Moreover, on the day of the incident, July 20, Jaffer had contacted his father, who was in Karachi, on phone four times and the latter knew about the illegal detention and the situation at their home. But his parents never informed the police, and even after their son beheaded the girl his father Zakir Jaffer tried to relax the murderer and told him: “You need not worry, I can handle this, I am sending people to rescue you and to dispose of the dead body,” said the challan.
As per the challan, Jaffer was scheduled to fly to the US on July 19 at 3:50pm via Qatar Airlines but he did not go.
Report says accomplices, including parents, of alleged murderer knew about incident but did not report it
The police also submitted a list of 18 witnesses, including Shaukat Ali Mukadam, father of the deceased, doctors who conducted an autopsy on the body and officials of the police.
Confession of the accused
The challan stated that on July 18, Noor came to Jaffer’s house in F-7/4 and the security guard let her in. A pet dog also expressed familiarity with her. On July 20, both entered into a brawl after Noor refused to marry him and then the alleged killer illegally detained her in a room, the challan referred to the statement of Jaffer in which he confessed to killing Noor.
The accused stated that Noor had rejected his marriage proposal and he detained her inside a room. She got furious over her forced detention and warned Jaffer of consequences. She threatened to file a complaint against him with the police. As per the statement, Jaffer informed his parents about the incident and ordered the domestic staff not to allow anyone to come in or let her go from the house.
The challan said Noor managed to come out of the room and ran away towards the main gate but the security guard Iftikhar did not let her go. This was an opportunity where she could have saved her life, it said.
Jaffer then detained her in the room again, the report said, adding that Noor again made a desperate effort and jumped out from the washroom’s window and ran towards the main gate. However, the security guard instead of helping her went to the basement.
It said gardener, Mohammad Jan, also did not allow her to open the main gate. Jaffer then dragged Noor to the room where he beheaded her.
Referring to the Call Detail Record (CDR), the challan stated that before killing and beheading Noor, Jaffer had made calls to his parents at 2:21pm, 3pm, 6:35pm and 7:29pm.
Role of Therapyworks’ employees
The report said in order to conceal the evidence and the body of the deceased, Jaffer called five Therapyworks employees to his F-7/4 residence - the crime scene.
When the workers tried to enter the room, Jaffer got confused and attacked them. One worker, Amjad Mehmood, was injured and shifted to hospital. The injured lied to the hospital administration and did not register the incident in the medical slip. He mentioned the reason for his injury to be a road accident.
According to the challan, the parents and the therapy workers tried to conceal the crime and attempted to destroy the evidence.
Lodging of complaint
The challan said on July 19 Shaukat Mukadam, the victim’s father, went to a cattle market to buy a sacrificial goat and upon return found Noor not present at home.
Her wife tried to call Noor but her phone was found switched off. Noor made a call later and told her parents that she was going to Lahore with friends for a couple of days.
“Jaffer also called and in response to my query he said Noor was not with him,” Mr Mukadam said.
However, at about 10pm on July 20, he received a call from the Kohsar police station and was informed that his daughter had been killed.
“I went to the house and found Noor’s beheaded dead body,” Mr Mukadam said, and he then lodged a complaint with the police.
The evidence
The police have recovered a knife, 9mm pistol along with the magazine, knuckleduster, cigarette butts, a laptop, Jaffer’s bloodstained shirt, fingerprints, CCTV footage, medical reports, cell phones and forensic reports along with the challan.
Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2021
“Her life could have been saved had the accomplices acted otherwise,” claimed the report commonly known as challan under section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The challan submitted to Additional District and Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani stated that Noor tried to escape twice from the illegal detention of Jaffer. However, due to collusion of the security guard and a gardener, she could not managed to get herself free.
Moreover, on the day of the incident, July 20, Jaffer had contacted his father, who was in Karachi, on phone four times and the latter knew about the illegal detention and the situation at their home. But his parents never informed the police, and even after their son beheaded the girl his father Zakir Jaffer tried to relax the murderer and told him: “You need not worry, I can handle this, I am sending people to rescue you and to dispose of the dead body,” said the challan.
As per the challan, Jaffer was scheduled to fly to the US on July 19 at 3:50pm via Qatar Airlines but he did not go.
Report says accomplices, including parents, of alleged murderer knew about incident but did not report it
The police also submitted a list of 18 witnesses, including Shaukat Ali Mukadam, father of the deceased, doctors who conducted an autopsy on the body and officials of the police.
Confession of the accused
The challan stated that on July 18, Noor came to Jaffer’s house in F-7/4 and the security guard let her in. A pet dog also expressed familiarity with her. On July 20, both entered into a brawl after Noor refused to marry him and then the alleged killer illegally detained her in a room, the challan referred to the statement of Jaffer in which he confessed to killing Noor.
The accused stated that Noor had rejected his marriage proposal and he detained her inside a room. She got furious over her forced detention and warned Jaffer of consequences. She threatened to file a complaint against him with the police. As per the statement, Jaffer informed his parents about the incident and ordered the domestic staff not to allow anyone to come in or let her go from the house.
The challan said Noor managed to come out of the room and ran away towards the main gate but the security guard Iftikhar did not let her go. This was an opportunity where she could have saved her life, it said.
Jaffer then detained her in the room again, the report said, adding that Noor again made a desperate effort and jumped out from the washroom’s window and ran towards the main gate. However, the security guard instead of helping her went to the basement.
It said gardener, Mohammad Jan, also did not allow her to open the main gate. Jaffer then dragged Noor to the room where he beheaded her.
Referring to the Call Detail Record (CDR), the challan stated that before killing and beheading Noor, Jaffer had made calls to his parents at 2:21pm, 3pm, 6:35pm and 7:29pm.
Role of Therapyworks’ employees
The report said in order to conceal the evidence and the body of the deceased, Jaffer called five Therapyworks employees to his F-7/4 residence - the crime scene.
When the workers tried to enter the room, Jaffer got confused and attacked them. One worker, Amjad Mehmood, was injured and shifted to hospital. The injured lied to the hospital administration and did not register the incident in the medical slip. He mentioned the reason for his injury to be a road accident.
According to the challan, the parents and the therapy workers tried to conceal the crime and attempted to destroy the evidence.
Lodging of complaint
The challan said on July 19 Shaukat Mukadam, the victim’s father, went to a cattle market to buy a sacrificial goat and upon return found Noor not present at home.
Her wife tried to call Noor but her phone was found switched off. Noor made a call later and told her parents that she was going to Lahore with friends for a couple of days.
“Jaffer also called and in response to my query he said Noor was not with him,” Mr Mukadam said.
However, at about 10pm on July 20, he received a call from the Kohsar police station and was informed that his daughter had been killed.
“I went to the house and found Noor’s beheaded dead body,” Mr Mukadam said, and he then lodged a complaint with the police.
The evidence
The police have recovered a knife, 9mm pistol along with the magazine, knuckleduster, cigarette butts, a laptop, Jaffer’s bloodstained shirt, fingerprints, CCTV footage, medical reports, cell phones and forensic reports along with the challan.
Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2021
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Police on Saturday submitted an interim challan in the Noor Muqaddam murder case to the court.
According to the interim challan, the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, has confessed to killing Noor after she refused to marry him.
According to the interim challan, the DNA report also showed the victim was raped before being killed.
The supplementary challan regarding the laptop and mobile phone report is yet to be submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, it said.
According to the interim police challan, the suspect made a statement to killing the victim and beheading her.
The interim challan stated that Zahir Jaffer told the investigators that when Noor refused to marry him, he forcibly locked her in a room and killed her.
The prime suspect told the police that he asked the watchman not to let anyone inside the house or let the victim run away.
Jaffer also hid the mobile phone of the victim in a cupboard of his house which was recovered on the identification of the suspect, the interim challan said. According to the prime suspect, when he told his father about the murder, he asked him not to panic.
The victim’s father told him that the servants will dispose of the body.
“If the police had been informed on time, the murder could have been avoided. The suspect’s father helped his son in this vicious crime,” the interim challan said.
According to the interim challan, Therapy Works employees tried to cover up the crime and destroyed the evidence. A Therapy Works employee, who was injured by Jaffer, did not even register the incident and it had been mentioned a road accident in his medical slip, the interim challan said.
It said that photos and fingerprints stored in the DVR also belong to the suspect.
According to the August 12 DNA report, the prime suspect was found to have raped the victim. Reports said that no effects of poison or drugs were found in the victim.
The interim challan also said that the victim jumped from the washroom and ran away towards the gate, however, the janitor at the gate did not help her. The gardener Jan Mohammad also did not open the gate. Had he opened the door, Noor could have run away, the interim challan said. It said that the suspect had booked a flight to the United States on July 19 but did not travel.
Meanwhile, the evidence against 12 suspects in the case has also been made part of the challan and submitted to the court. According to the challan, a list of 18 witnesses in the murder case has also been submitted to the court
Plaintiff Shaukat Muqaddam and Investigating Officer Inspector Abdul Sattar are among the witnesses.
Doctors who carried out the victim’s autopsy and medical examination are also among the witnesses. Polyclinic doctors Dr Shazia and Dr Jahanzeb are among the prosecution witnesses.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Basharat Hussain, who collected fingerprints from the crime scene, is also a key witness, while ASI Muhammad Zubair Mazhar is also among the witnesses.
According to the interim challan, the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, has confessed to killing Noor after she refused to marry him.
According to the interim challan, the DNA report also showed the victim was raped before being killed.
The supplementary challan regarding the laptop and mobile phone report is yet to be submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, it said.
According to the interim police challan, the suspect made a statement to killing the victim and beheading her.
The interim challan stated that Zahir Jaffer told the investigators that when Noor refused to marry him, he forcibly locked her in a room and killed her.
The prime suspect told the police that he asked the watchman not to let anyone inside the house or let the victim run away.
Jaffer also hid the mobile phone of the victim in a cupboard of his house which was recovered on the identification of the suspect, the interim challan said. According to the prime suspect, when he told his father about the murder, he asked him not to panic.
The victim’s father told him that the servants will dispose of the body.
“If the police had been informed on time, the murder could have been avoided. The suspect’s father helped his son in this vicious crime,” the interim challan said.
According to the interim challan, Therapy Works employees tried to cover up the crime and destroyed the evidence. A Therapy Works employee, who was injured by Jaffer, did not even register the incident and it had been mentioned a road accident in his medical slip, the interim challan said.
It said that photos and fingerprints stored in the DVR also belong to the suspect.
According to the August 12 DNA report, the prime suspect was found to have raped the victim. Reports said that no effects of poison or drugs were found in the victim.
The interim challan also said that the victim jumped from the washroom and ran away towards the gate, however, the janitor at the gate did not help her. The gardener Jan Mohammad also did not open the gate. Had he opened the door, Noor could have run away, the interim challan said. It said that the suspect had booked a flight to the United States on July 19 but did not travel.
Meanwhile, the evidence against 12 suspects in the case has also been made part of the challan and submitted to the court. According to the challan, a list of 18 witnesses in the murder case has also been submitted to the court
Plaintiff Shaukat Muqaddam and Investigating Officer Inspector Abdul Sattar are among the witnesses.
Doctors who carried out the victim’s autopsy and medical examination are also among the witnesses. Polyclinic doctors Dr Shazia and Dr Jahanzeb are among the prosecution witnesses.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Basharat Hussain, who collected fingerprints from the crime scene, is also a key witness, while ASI Muhammad Zubair Mazhar is also among the witnesses.
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Zahirs Father charged with the case to abetment or not?
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Justice delayed is Justice denied.
Same story all over the subcontinent
Same story all over the subcontinent
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If the PM IK does not intervene himself, the parents will use their money, bribe the right people and get away with it. It is imperative that he gets involved.
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Noor Mukadam murder case: Court to indict Zahir Jaffer, other suspects on October 6
The Islamabad High Court will indict 12 persons, including prime suspect Zahir Jaffer, on October 6 for the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir Jaffer and six other suspects, including Therapy Works owner Zahir Zahoor, were brought to court today (Thursday) to attend a hearing related to the bail petitions filed by Zahir Jaffer's parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee.
The victim's father and plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam's lawyer Advocate Shah Khawar told the court that the murder case should be held in a special court, as per the provisions of the presidential ordinance.
In response, Justice Aamer Farooq said the ordinance has expired. "It seems as if you want to delay the trial," he said.
To this, Khawar responded by saying that was not the objective of his request.
"If you think the trial court does not have jurisdiction to hear this case, file a petition at a relevant court," the judge said.
Khawar told the judge that Zahir Jaffer was communicating constantly with his parents the day of Noor Mukadam's murder.
Related items
IHC grants time to Therapy Works workers' lawyer for preparation in Noor Mukadam case
Noor Mukadam murder case: IHC adjourns bail plea hearing of Zahir Jaffer's parents till tomorrow
No family should go through it: Noor Mukadam's sister urges people to join Islamabad protest
Noor Mukadam murder case: Zahir Jaffer's confessional statement has no legal status, lawyer tells IHC
"The parents were constantly in touch with the suspect, they are connected to the murder," he said. "It was a grisly murder, the suspects should not be granted bail."
He informed the court that the prosecution had not included any unnecessary witnesses in the case.
The judge asked the lawyer how the parents of the suspect and the Therapy Works employees were connected.
"Zahir Jaffer's mother used to work for Therapy Works as a consultant," he revealed.
IHC grants time to Therapy Works workers' lawyer for preparation
A day earlier, the IHC had granted respite to the lawyers of Therapy Works' employees for preparation in the Noor Mukadam murder case, while hearing a petition seeking the suspension of bail to the employees of Therapy Works.
Justice Aamer Farooq had heard the plea of Tahir Zahoor and five other suspects for bail suspension on Wednesday.
The court granted respite to the lawyers after hearing their plea, asking for more time to prepare a case.
Meanwhile, an additional sessions judge approved the bail of six suspects after submission of surety bonds worth Rs500,000.
The plaintiff had already appealed to the Islamabad High Court to cancel the bail of the suspects.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/372048-noor-mukadam-murder-court-to-indict-zahir-jaffer-other-suspects-on-oct-6
The Islamabad High Court will indict 12 persons, including prime suspect Zahir Jaffer, on October 6 for the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir Jaffer and six other suspects, including Therapy Works owner Zahir Zahoor, were brought to court today (Thursday) to attend a hearing related to the bail petitions filed by Zahir Jaffer's parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee.
The victim's father and plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam's lawyer Advocate Shah Khawar told the court that the murder case should be held in a special court, as per the provisions of the presidential ordinance.
In response, Justice Aamer Farooq said the ordinance has expired. "It seems as if you want to delay the trial," he said.
To this, Khawar responded by saying that was not the objective of his request.
"If you think the trial court does not have jurisdiction to hear this case, file a petition at a relevant court," the judge said.
Khawar told the judge that Zahir Jaffer was communicating constantly with his parents the day of Noor Mukadam's murder.
Related items
IHC grants time to Therapy Works workers' lawyer for preparation in Noor Mukadam case
Noor Mukadam murder case: IHC adjourns bail plea hearing of Zahir Jaffer's parents till tomorrow
No family should go through it: Noor Mukadam's sister urges people to join Islamabad protest
Noor Mukadam murder case: Zahir Jaffer's confessional statement has no legal status, lawyer tells IHC
"The parents were constantly in touch with the suspect, they are connected to the murder," he said. "It was a grisly murder, the suspects should not be granted bail."
He informed the court that the prosecution had not included any unnecessary witnesses in the case.
The judge asked the lawyer how the parents of the suspect and the Therapy Works employees were connected.
"Zahir Jaffer's mother used to work for Therapy Works as a consultant," he revealed.
IHC grants time to Therapy Works workers' lawyer for preparation
A day earlier, the IHC had granted respite to the lawyers of Therapy Works' employees for preparation in the Noor Mukadam murder case, while hearing a petition seeking the suspension of bail to the employees of Therapy Works.
Justice Aamer Farooq had heard the plea of Tahir Zahoor and five other suspects for bail suspension on Wednesday.
The court granted respite to the lawyers after hearing their plea, asking for more time to prepare a case.
Meanwhile, an additional sessions judge approved the bail of six suspects after submission of surety bonds worth Rs500,000.
The plaintiff had already appealed to the Islamabad High Court to cancel the bail of the suspects.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/372048-noor-mukadam-murder-court-to-indict-zahir-jaffer-other-suspects-on-oct-6
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The parents of Zahir Jaffer, prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court (SC) for post-arrest bail after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected their bail plea last week.
Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Zakir Jaffer filed two separate pleas in the top court through their counsel Khawaja Haris.
It may be noted here that Zahir and Asmat are in police custody for “aiding and abetting” their son in the murder of Noor Mukadam.
The IHC in its order had said the parents knew that Zahir Jaffer had taken Noor hostage but they did not inform the police. The family’s watchman made it clear that he had alerted Zakir Jaffar about the situation, the court’s decision had stated.
As per the IHC ruling, Zahir Jaffar maintained in his statement that he had informed his father before the murder, whether his statement is acceptable or not is for the trial court to decide.
The court maintained that evidence of direct assistance in aiding and abetting a crime cannot, as a rule, apply everywhere. Aiding and abetting can also be indirect, the court noted, adding that in such a situation factual evidence is sufficient.
Pleas in SC
In the two separate pleas filed by the petitioners, their counsel urged the apex court that the “investigation in the case has been completed" and the petitioners were no longer required for purposes of investigation.
According to the counsel, the refusal to grant bail may result in irreparable loss to the petitioners as there were no reparations promised if the petitioners are acquitted in the case.
It further said that the petitioners have a "strong case" and there was a high probability that they would get bail by the court in the light of the grounds mentioned in the plea.
He also said that there were no chances of evidence tampering if Zakir and Asmat were released on bail.
“[There is] no question of tampering with the prosecution evidence arises since, except two witnesses (the first informant and one witness of recovery), the prosecution evidence comprises of police officials/forensic experts and it is exclusively relying upon the scientific evidence which is in possession of the police.”
According to the counsel, the decision to dismiss the bail of the parents of the prime accused was “arbitrary, capricious, based on unsubstantiated conjectures and surmises and it is submitted with the utmost respect, perverse and liable to be set aside as such.”
According to the petitioners, the high court committed a “grave jurisdictional error in denying bail” to the petitioners merely because they didn’t inform the police of the “commission of an offence in terms of Section 44 CrPC, when the law in this respect is that an omission to report an offence attracts punishment under Section 176 CrPC which is a bailable offence”.
Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Zakir Jaffer filed two separate pleas in the top court through their counsel Khawaja Haris.
It may be noted here that Zahir and Asmat are in police custody for “aiding and abetting” their son in the murder of Noor Mukadam.
The IHC in its order had said the parents knew that Zahir Jaffer had taken Noor hostage but they did not inform the police. The family’s watchman made it clear that he had alerted Zakir Jaffar about the situation, the court’s decision had stated.
As per the IHC ruling, Zahir Jaffar maintained in his statement that he had informed his father before the murder, whether his statement is acceptable or not is for the trial court to decide.
The court maintained that evidence of direct assistance in aiding and abetting a crime cannot, as a rule, apply everywhere. Aiding and abetting can also be indirect, the court noted, adding that in such a situation factual evidence is sufficient.
Pleas in SC
In the two separate pleas filed by the petitioners, their counsel urged the apex court that the “investigation in the case has been completed" and the petitioners were no longer required for purposes of investigation.
According to the counsel, the refusal to grant bail may result in irreparable loss to the petitioners as there were no reparations promised if the petitioners are acquitted in the case.
It further said that the petitioners have a "strong case" and there was a high probability that they would get bail by the court in the light of the grounds mentioned in the plea.
He also said that there were no chances of evidence tampering if Zakir and Asmat were released on bail.
“[There is] no question of tampering with the prosecution evidence arises since, except two witnesses (the first informant and one witness of recovery), the prosecution evidence comprises of police officials/forensic experts and it is exclusively relying upon the scientific evidence which is in possession of the police.”
According to the counsel, the decision to dismiss the bail of the parents of the prime accused was “arbitrary, capricious, based on unsubstantiated conjectures and surmises and it is submitted with the utmost respect, perverse and liable to be set aside as such.”
According to the petitioners, the high court committed a “grave jurisdictional error in denying bail” to the petitioners merely because they didn’t inform the police of the “commission of an offence in terms of Section 44 CrPC, when the law in this respect is that an omission to report an offence attracts punishment under Section 176 CrPC which is a bailable offence”.
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The Supreme Court (SC) asked the Advocate General of Pakistan on Monday to provide material evidence regarding alleged involvement of Asmat Zakir in Noor Mukadam's murder.
The court's remarks came while hearing the petition pertaining to the bail pleas of parents of Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in Noor murder case.
A three-judge bench led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Amin conducted the proceedings.
During the hearing, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah inquired about the mention of Ismat Zakir's - the accused's mother - name in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict. Justice Bandial then observed that there was no mention of her name in the decision.
The parent's counsel, Khawaja Haris, told the court that the accused in the case was Zahir Jaffer, adding that his parents were in Karachi at the time of the murder.
Justice Bandial responded saying, "We are just trying to understand the case."
Justice Qazi Amin then observed that, "The Noor Mukadam murder case is an extremely unfortunate one. We express sympathy with Noor's family."
He further stated that the court was seeking information so as to understand the facts related to the case.
Haris apprised the court that the forensic reports had not been received yet. Advocate General Islamabad informed the apex court that all forensic reports except those of the mobile phones used in the incident had been received.
The counsel also expressed apprehension regarding the right to fair trial getting affected by the IHC's ordering the case to be concluded within two months.
To this, Justice Bandial responded that, "The right to fair trial is mandatory, but a delay in concluding a case also leads to unrest."
Initially, the hearing was adjourned for a while; however, it was later adjourned till next Monday due to a demise in Justice Bandial's family.
On October 6, Zahir Jaffer's parents had approached the top court for post-arrest bail after the IHC rejected their bail plea.
Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Zakir had filed two separate pleas in the top court through their counsel.
It may be noted here that Zahir and Asmat are in police custody for “aiding and abetting” their son in the murder of Noor Mukadam.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/232424...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
The court's remarks came while hearing the petition pertaining to the bail pleas of parents of Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in Noor murder case.
A three-judge bench led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Amin conducted the proceedings.
During the hearing, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah inquired about the mention of Ismat Zakir's - the accused's mother - name in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict. Justice Bandial then observed that there was no mention of her name in the decision.
The parent's counsel, Khawaja Haris, told the court that the accused in the case was Zahir Jaffer, adding that his parents were in Karachi at the time of the murder.
Justice Bandial responded saying, "We are just trying to understand the case."
Justice Qazi Amin then observed that, "The Noor Mukadam murder case is an extremely unfortunate one. We express sympathy with Noor's family."
He further stated that the court was seeking information so as to understand the facts related to the case.
Haris apprised the court that the forensic reports had not been received yet. Advocate General Islamabad informed the apex court that all forensic reports except those of the mobile phones used in the incident had been received.
The counsel also expressed apprehension regarding the right to fair trial getting affected by the IHC's ordering the case to be concluded within two months.
To this, Justice Bandial responded that, "The right to fair trial is mandatory, but a delay in concluding a case also leads to unrest."
Initially, the hearing was adjourned for a while; however, it was later adjourned till next Monday due to a demise in Justice Bandial's family.
On October 6, Zahir Jaffer's parents had approached the top court for post-arrest bail after the IHC rejected their bail plea.
Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Zakir had filed two separate pleas in the top court through their counsel.
It may be noted here that Zahir and Asmat are in police custody for “aiding and abetting” their son in the murder of Noor Mukadam.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/232424...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
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If he is already convicted then, can they hang him first, and deal with his parents?
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Court indicts Zahir Jaffer in Noor Mukadam's murder case
The prime suspect in the murder of Noor Mukadam, Zahir Jaffer, has been formally charged for the crime by the Islamabad High Court on Thursday.
Besides Jaffer, two of the family's employees — Jamil and Jan Mohammad — were also indicted, along with the Chief Executive Officer of Therapy Works, Tahir Zahoor.
Additional sessions judge Atta Rabbani indicted a total of six individuals in the case and all the accused were brought to the court from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.
Meanwhile, the court has summoned the prosecution witnesses on October 20 and directed that the trial must be commenced immediately and be completed within two months.
The murder
Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman, was raped and murdered with a sharp instrument on July 20 within the limits of the Kohsar police station in Islamabad. A case of murder was later registered at the same police station by Noor's father, former Pakistani ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Related items
Noor Mukadam murder case: SC orders prosecution to give evidence against Zahir's mother at next hearing
Noor Mukadam murder case: Zahir Jaffer's parents challenge IHC bail rejection in Supreme Court
Noor Mukadam murder case: Islamabad court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
Zahir is the prime suspect in Noor Mukadam's murder case. The grisly murder, in which Mukadam was beheaded, took place on July 20 in Islamabad's F-7 area.
The Islamabad police had arrested suspect Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
Islamabad court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
Earlier, the IHC had rejected the bail pleas of Zahir's parents — Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee — in the Noor's murder case.
The IHC also ordered the trial court to complete the trial within eight weeks. IHC's Justice Aamer Farooq initially delivered a brief verdict. A detailed verdict was released later.
Zakir and Ismat had filed bail petitions in the Noor Mukadam murder case stating that they had nothing to do with Noor's murder, while the police challan presented in court said that if Zahir's parents had informed the police in time, Noor could have been saved.
What did the Islamabad High Court's detailed verdict say?
In its detailed verdict, the IHC ruled that Zahir Jaffer's parents committed the crime of aiding and abetting Noor's murder.
The court said that Zahir's parents knew their son had taken Noor hostage and despite having this information, they did not share it with the police. The watchman had clearly stated that he had informed Zakir Jaffer, the court added.
The detailed judgment also refers to the decisions of the SC.
The SC has said that aiding and abetting murder is as serious a crime as murder, the IHC said, adding that aiding and abetting a crime can also be direct, for which there is sufficient factual evidence.
According to the Black's Law Dictionary, not doing one's duty is also aiding and abetting, the IHC verdict said.
Zahir, the court said, had said in his confessional statement that he had informed his father about Noor. Whether Zahir's statement is acceptable or not is to be decided by the trial court, the IHC said.
Zahir's parents challenge IHC bail rejection in SC
The parents of Zahir then approached the SC for bail.
The petition, filed in the apex court by Advocate Khawaja Harris on behalf of Zahir's parents, asks whether not reporting the "incident" counts as aiding the crime.
The text of the petition stated that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) wrongly reviewed Section 107 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The petition further stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Zahir's parents knew the intentions of their son and that their bail application cannot be dismissed on the basis of the statement of a co-accused.
The petition said that a complete challan of the case has not yet been presented in the trial court, while the high court went beyond its jurisdiction by directing to complete the trial in two months.
The petition filed in the SC further said that delivering a verdict in two months goes against the rights of the suspects and the principles of a transparent trial.
The police investigation in the Noor's murder case was one-sided and not impartial, the petition stated further. The defendants will not be able to defend themselves properly in prison, it argued, adding that it is very difficult for them to communicate with their lawyers in prison.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/375807-court-indicts-zahir-jaffer-in-noor-mukadams-murder-case
The prime suspect in the murder of Noor Mukadam, Zahir Jaffer, has been formally charged for the crime by the Islamabad High Court on Thursday.
Besides Jaffer, two of the family's employees — Jamil and Jan Mohammad — were also indicted, along with the Chief Executive Officer of Therapy Works, Tahir Zahoor.
Additional sessions judge Atta Rabbani indicted a total of six individuals in the case and all the accused were brought to the court from Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.
Meanwhile, the court has summoned the prosecution witnesses on October 20 and directed that the trial must be commenced immediately and be completed within two months.
The murder
Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman, was raped and murdered with a sharp instrument on July 20 within the limits of the Kohsar police station in Islamabad. A case of murder was later registered at the same police station by Noor's father, former Pakistani ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Related items
Noor Mukadam murder case: SC orders prosecution to give evidence against Zahir's mother at next hearing
Noor Mukadam murder case: Zahir Jaffer's parents challenge IHC bail rejection in Supreme Court
Noor Mukadam murder case: Islamabad court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
Zahir is the prime suspect in Noor Mukadam's murder case. The grisly murder, in which Mukadam was beheaded, took place on July 20 in Islamabad's F-7 area.
The Islamabad police had arrested suspect Zahir on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor's parents, he killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head.
The gruesome incident sparked a nationwide campaign seeking justice for her, with #JusticeforNoor becoming a top trend on Twitter.
Islamabad court rejects bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer's parents
Earlier, the IHC had rejected the bail pleas of Zahir's parents — Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee — in the Noor's murder case.
The IHC also ordered the trial court to complete the trial within eight weeks. IHC's Justice Aamer Farooq initially delivered a brief verdict. A detailed verdict was released later.
Zakir and Ismat had filed bail petitions in the Noor Mukadam murder case stating that they had nothing to do with Noor's murder, while the police challan presented in court said that if Zahir's parents had informed the police in time, Noor could have been saved.
What did the Islamabad High Court's detailed verdict say?
In its detailed verdict, the IHC ruled that Zahir Jaffer's parents committed the crime of aiding and abetting Noor's murder.
The court said that Zahir's parents knew their son had taken Noor hostage and despite having this information, they did not share it with the police. The watchman had clearly stated that he had informed Zakir Jaffer, the court added.
The detailed judgment also refers to the decisions of the SC.
The SC has said that aiding and abetting murder is as serious a crime as murder, the IHC said, adding that aiding and abetting a crime can also be direct, for which there is sufficient factual evidence.
According to the Black's Law Dictionary, not doing one's duty is also aiding and abetting, the IHC verdict said.
Zahir, the court said, had said in his confessional statement that he had informed his father about Noor. Whether Zahir's statement is acceptable or not is to be decided by the trial court, the IHC said.
Zahir's parents challenge IHC bail rejection in SC
The parents of Zahir then approached the SC for bail.
The petition, filed in the apex court by Advocate Khawaja Harris on behalf of Zahir's parents, asks whether not reporting the "incident" counts as aiding the crime.
The text of the petition stated that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) wrongly reviewed Section 107 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The petition further stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Zahir's parents knew the intentions of their son and that their bail application cannot be dismissed on the basis of the statement of a co-accused.
The petition said that a complete challan of the case has not yet been presented in the trial court, while the high court went beyond its jurisdiction by directing to complete the trial in two months.
The petition filed in the SC further said that delivering a verdict in two months goes against the rights of the suspects and the principles of a transparent trial.
The police investigation in the Noor's murder case was one-sided and not impartial, the petition stated further. The defendants will not be able to defend themselves properly in prison, it argued, adding that it is very difficult for them to communicate with their lawyers in prison.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/375807-court-indicts-zahir-jaffer-in-noor-mukadams-murder-case
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‘Noor was kept in captivity for 3 days’
Charge sheet says Zahir’s parents didn’t inform police despite knowing everything
The charge sheet in the Noor Muqaddam murder case has said that Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect, kept her captive for three days from July 18 and 20.
Islamabad Additional and Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani indicted 12 suspects based on the provisions of the charge sheet.
The trial court indicted 12 suspects in the case on 14 charges according to the charge sheet.
The court citing the specifics of the charge sheet said the victim jumped out of the window on July 20 evening and tried to escape captivity, but watchman Iftikhar and gardener Jan Muhammad stopped her at the gate. After this, Zahir dragged Noor back to the room and kept her captive.
Regarding the prime suspect Zahir, the court said that he was charged with murder, severing, kidnapping, confining and raping the victim.
Read IHC issues notice to Noor's father
The court said Zahir’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, were in contact with their son from Karachi on the mobile phone. Despite their knowledge of Noor being confined illegally by their son, they did not inform the police and were therefore charged with abetting the crime, the court said citing the charge sheet.
The court said that Zakir and Asmat were aware of their son’s intention of the murder, but they kept the police in the dark, which was a crime. It said that the parents directed Therapy Works CEO Tahir Zahoor to send his team to the house of the accused.
The charge sheet stated that since Zakir, Asmat, watchman Iftikhar, gardener Jan Muhammad, and cook Jamil Ahmed were aware of Zahir’s nefarious plans, it was obligatory for them to report the whole thing to the police, which they did not and which made them complicit in the crime.
Read more 12 indicted in Noor murder case
The court citing the charge sheet said that the Therapy Works chief sent his team to the crime scene after receiving the call from the prime suspect’s parents on July 20 and he too failed to inform the police.
It read that Tahir Zahoor sent his team members, Dilip Kumar, Wamik Riaz, Samar Abbas, Abdul Haq, and Amjad Mahmood, to Zahir’s place to destroy the evidence and protect the suspect from legal action. The court said that all indicted suspects have pleaded not guilty, while Zahir’s parents have yet to sign the charge sheet.
The order further said that the charge sheet was meant to tell an accused about the criminal charges levelled against him/her. The charge sheet is not and sentence but the beginning of a trial, the court said.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2325168/noor-was-kept-in-captivity-for-3-days
Charge sheet says Zahir’s parents didn’t inform police despite knowing everything
The charge sheet in the Noor Muqaddam murder case has said that Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect, kept her captive for three days from July 18 and 20.
Islamabad Additional and Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani indicted 12 suspects based on the provisions of the charge sheet.
The trial court indicted 12 suspects in the case on 14 charges according to the charge sheet.
The court citing the specifics of the charge sheet said the victim jumped out of the window on July 20 evening and tried to escape captivity, but watchman Iftikhar and gardener Jan Muhammad stopped her at the gate. After this, Zahir dragged Noor back to the room and kept her captive.
Regarding the prime suspect Zahir, the court said that he was charged with murder, severing, kidnapping, confining and raping the victim.
Read IHC issues notice to Noor's father
The court said Zahir’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, were in contact with their son from Karachi on the mobile phone. Despite their knowledge of Noor being confined illegally by their son, they did not inform the police and were therefore charged with abetting the crime, the court said citing the charge sheet.
The court said that Zakir and Asmat were aware of their son’s intention of the murder, but they kept the police in the dark, which was a crime. It said that the parents directed Therapy Works CEO Tahir Zahoor to send his team to the house of the accused.
The charge sheet stated that since Zakir, Asmat, watchman Iftikhar, gardener Jan Muhammad, and cook Jamil Ahmed were aware of Zahir’s nefarious plans, it was obligatory for them to report the whole thing to the police, which they did not and which made them complicit in the crime.
Read more 12 indicted in Noor murder case
The court citing the charge sheet said that the Therapy Works chief sent his team to the crime scene after receiving the call from the prime suspect’s parents on July 20 and he too failed to inform the police.
It read that Tahir Zahoor sent his team members, Dilip Kumar, Wamik Riaz, Samar Abbas, Abdul Haq, and Amjad Mahmood, to Zahir’s place to destroy the evidence and protect the suspect from legal action. The court said that all indicted suspects have pleaded not guilty, while Zahir’s parents have yet to sign the charge sheet.
The order further said that the charge sheet was meant to tell an accused about the criminal charges levelled against him/her. The charge sheet is not and sentence but the beginning of a trial, the court said.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2325168/noor-was-kept-in-captivity-for-3-days
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The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Asmat Adamjee, the mother of Zahir Jaffer, who is the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
The apex court approved the bail against a surety bond of Rs1 million while hearing a plea filed by Adamjee seeking her release. The court, however, rejected the bail plea of Zakir Jaffer — Zahir's father — and disposed of his petition.
In the last hearing on Oct 11, the Supreme Court had directed the prosecution to submit evidence against Adamjee.
While approving her bail request, the top court remarked that the role of Zahir's mother in the case was "secondary".
Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that apparently there was no evidence of Adamjee's involvement in the crime. "The record of 11 phone calls made by Asmat Adamjee is available," interjected Islamabad Advocate General Niazullah Khan Niazi.
Justice Bandial asked the authorities to determine why Therapyworks employees were called to the scene of the murder instead of police.
Meanwhile, the court turned down the petitioner's request to strike down the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order of September 29 in which it had rejected the bail pleas of Zahir's parents. "We will not interfere in the high court's orders," the apex court said.
Earlier during the proceedings, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked whether a test to determine the mental health of the prime suspect had been conducted. The counsel for Noor's family, Advocate Shah Khawar, responded that Zahir had only been tested for drugs.
Justice Shah then inquired about the status of the case trial. The advocate general informed the bench that the suspects had been indicted with a direction to wrap up the case in eight weeks.
On Oct 6, Zahir's parents had filed separate petitions for bail in the apex court — nearly a week after the IHC had rejected their bail pleas and ordered authorities to keep them in detention until the completion of the trial.
Moved through counsel Khawaja Haris Ahmed, the applications stated that the case against the petitioners was not based on tangible evidence, rather the allegations against them were highly speculative.
Last week, the trial court had indicted 12 suspects in the Noor Mukadam murder case, including Zahir and his parents.
A day before the indictment, Zahir's parents had also approached the IHC seeking annulment of the sessions court's order to indict 12 suspects in the case.
The case
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20.
A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Zahir's parents and household staff were also arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Shaukat's statement, according to a police spokesperson.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor, while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1652749/s...ir-jaffers-mother-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
The apex court approved the bail against a surety bond of Rs1 million while hearing a plea filed by Adamjee seeking her release. The court, however, rejected the bail plea of Zakir Jaffer — Zahir's father — and disposed of his petition.
In the last hearing on Oct 11, the Supreme Court had directed the prosecution to submit evidence against Adamjee.
While approving her bail request, the top court remarked that the role of Zahir's mother in the case was "secondary".
Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that apparently there was no evidence of Adamjee's involvement in the crime. "The record of 11 phone calls made by Asmat Adamjee is available," interjected Islamabad Advocate General Niazullah Khan Niazi.
Justice Bandial asked the authorities to determine why Therapyworks employees were called to the scene of the murder instead of police.
Meanwhile, the court turned down the petitioner's request to strike down the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order of September 29 in which it had rejected the bail pleas of Zahir's parents. "We will not interfere in the high court's orders," the apex court said.
Earlier during the proceedings, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked whether a test to determine the mental health of the prime suspect had been conducted. The counsel for Noor's family, Advocate Shah Khawar, responded that Zahir had only been tested for drugs.
Justice Shah then inquired about the status of the case trial. The advocate general informed the bench that the suspects had been indicted with a direction to wrap up the case in eight weeks.
On Oct 6, Zahir's parents had filed separate petitions for bail in the apex court — nearly a week after the IHC had rejected their bail pleas and ordered authorities to keep them in detention until the completion of the trial.
Moved through counsel Khawaja Haris Ahmed, the applications stated that the case against the petitioners was not based on tangible evidence, rather the allegations against them were highly speculative.
Last week, the trial court had indicted 12 suspects in the Noor Mukadam murder case, including Zahir and his parents.
A day before the indictment, Zahir's parents had also approached the IHC seeking annulment of the sessions court's order to indict 12 suspects in the case.
The case
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20.
A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
Zahir's parents and household staff were also arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Shaukat's statement, according to a police spokesperson.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off, and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from the suspect, whose family were the ex-diplomat's acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor, while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1652749/s...ir-jaffers-mother-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
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ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Wednesday scolded Zahir Jaffer, the main accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, for violating the court’s decorum.
Zahir earned the court's ire after he attempted to speak again and again to interrupt the proceedings. The district and sessions judge ordered the police to silence the accused and the police complied with the orders.
Earlier, the police produced Zahir Jaffer, his father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee before the court.
The counsel of the accused apprised the court that his clients have challenged their indictment in the case at the Islamabad High Court. Notices have been issued in this regard, the lawyer added.
Meanwhile, the public prosecutor told the court that the witnesses have been called for fingerprinting.
The court adjourned the hearing till 1:30pm today and sent the accused to 'bakhshi khana’.
On October 18, the Supreme Court accepted the bail plea of Zahir's mother, Asmat Adamjee, who is one of the other accused individuals in the murder case.
However, the apex court rejected the bail plea of Zahir's father, Zakir Jaffer.
The Supreme Court ordered Adamjee to submit bail bonds worth Rs1 million.
The apex court said the prime suspect's mother was not at the scene of the crime when it took place.
A three-member bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin heard the bail pleas of Zahir’s parents.
GEO
Zahir earned the court's ire after he attempted to speak again and again to interrupt the proceedings. The district and sessions judge ordered the police to silence the accused and the police complied with the orders.
Earlier, the police produced Zahir Jaffer, his father Zakir Jaffer and mother Asmat Adamjee before the court.
The counsel of the accused apprised the court that his clients have challenged their indictment in the case at the Islamabad High Court. Notices have been issued in this regard, the lawyer added.
Meanwhile, the public prosecutor told the court that the witnesses have been called for fingerprinting.
The court adjourned the hearing till 1:30pm today and sent the accused to 'bakhshi khana’.
On October 18, the Supreme Court accepted the bail plea of Zahir's mother, Asmat Adamjee, who is one of the other accused individuals in the murder case.
However, the apex court rejected the bail plea of Zahir's father, Zakir Jaffer.
The Supreme Court ordered Adamjee to submit bail bonds worth Rs1 million.
The apex court said the prime suspect's mother was not at the scene of the crime when it took place.
A three-member bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin heard the bail pleas of Zahir’s parents.
GEO
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Zahir Jaffer kicked out of courtroom for creating 'drama'
ISLAMABAD:
Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, was forcibly removed from the courtroom on Wednesday after he hurled expletives at Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani during the hearing of the case.
A district and sessions court in Islamabad took up the case today to record statements and cross-examine the witnesses.During the hearing, Zahir kept on calling out the name Hamza without pointing at anyone. The judge asked the police to remove him from the courtroom; however, Zahir hid behind the door. He said he wanted to stay in the courtroom and promised not to further interrupt the proceedings.
After some time, he interrupted the court again and hurled abuses at the judge. Subsequently, the judge asked the police to remove him from the courtroom, saying the prime accused was creating a "drama".As police tried to take him away, Zahir Jaffer grabbed Inspector Mustafa Kiyani by the collar. However, the police managed to take him out of the courtroom and put him in the court lockup.
Judge Rabbani then summoned the accused's mother Ismat Adamjee to the witness stand. He asked the mother to explain to her son the ramifications of such behaviour. She responded that the court knows about her son's mental state.
Her lawyer, Asad Jamal, said that the prime suspect could be spoken to. The judge said they should make the suspect understand the situation kindly. The lawyer responded that of course violence against the suspect was not an option.
According to the judge, in case such behaviour was repeated, he would not issue a contempt of court notice to the accused, but simply start conducing a trial in jail.
During the hearing, three prosecution witnesses -- map-maker Amir Shehzad, ASI Muhammad Riaz and Head Constable Firasat Fahim -- were cross-examined.
Via : https://tribune.com.pk/story/232764...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
ISLAMABAD:
Zahir Jaffer, the prime suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, was forcibly removed from the courtroom on Wednesday after he hurled expletives at Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani during the hearing of the case.
A district and sessions court in Islamabad took up the case today to record statements and cross-examine the witnesses.During the hearing, Zahir kept on calling out the name Hamza without pointing at anyone. The judge asked the police to remove him from the courtroom; however, Zahir hid behind the door. He said he wanted to stay in the courtroom and promised not to further interrupt the proceedings.
After some time, he interrupted the court again and hurled abuses at the judge. Subsequently, the judge asked the police to remove him from the courtroom, saying the prime accused was creating a "drama".As police tried to take him away, Zahir Jaffer grabbed Inspector Mustafa Kiyani by the collar. However, the police managed to take him out of the courtroom and put him in the court lockup.
Judge Rabbani then summoned the accused's mother Ismat Adamjee to the witness stand. He asked the mother to explain to her son the ramifications of such behaviour. She responded that the court knows about her son's mental state.
Her lawyer, Asad Jamal, said that the prime suspect could be spoken to. The judge said they should make the suspect understand the situation kindly. The lawyer responded that of course violence against the suspect was not an option.
According to the judge, in case such behaviour was repeated, he would not issue a contempt of court notice to the accused, but simply start conducing a trial in jail.
During the hearing, three prosecution witnesses -- map-maker Amir Shehzad, ASI Muhammad Riaz and Head Constable Firasat Fahim -- were cross-examined.
Via : https://tribune.com.pk/story/232764...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
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The guys family and lawyers are working overdrive to exploit every single legal loophole to get him off on the insanity plea.
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A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Saturday warned the prime suspect in the Noor murder case, Zahir Jaffer, about his attitude, saying the court will not allow him to appear before the bench if he tried to disrupt the proceedings again.
In a written order, Judge Atta Rabbani, who is hearing the Noor Mukadam murder case, said that the accused created a "fuss in the court and tried to interfere in the proceedings" during the previous hearing on November 3.
"He is directed to mend his attitude; otherwise, his attendance will be exempted from the court and he will be taken on video link from jail," the judge wrote in his short order.
The judge also summoned the remaining prosecution witnesses at the next hearing. He said the "file be produced" on Nov 10 as well. "The next date of the hearing is fixed as per the availability of the defence counsel," the judge added.
Zahir kicked out of courtroom
During the previous hearing, the suspect, who confessed to murdering and beheading Noor Mukadam, was removed from the courtroom for disrupting the case proceedings and ridiculing the judge.
During the hearing, Zahir had kept on saying the name 'Hamza' without pointing at anyone. He had interrupted the court twice and hurled abuses at the judge. Consequently, the judge had kicked him out for creating a drama.
As police tried to take him away, Zahir Jaffer had grabbed Inspector Mustafa Kiyani by the collar. However, the police had managed to take him out of the courtroom and put him in the court lockup.
In a written order, Judge Atta Rabbani, who is hearing the Noor Mukadam murder case, said that the accused created a "fuss in the court and tried to interfere in the proceedings" during the previous hearing on November 3.
"He is directed to mend his attitude; otherwise, his attendance will be exempted from the court and he will be taken on video link from jail," the judge wrote in his short order.
The judge also summoned the remaining prosecution witnesses at the next hearing. He said the "file be produced" on Nov 10 as well. "The next date of the hearing is fixed as per the availability of the defence counsel," the judge added.
Zahir kicked out of courtroom
During the previous hearing, the suspect, who confessed to murdering and beheading Noor Mukadam, was removed from the courtroom for disrupting the case proceedings and ridiculing the judge.
During the hearing, Zahir had kept on saying the name 'Hamza' without pointing at anyone. He had interrupted the court twice and hurled abuses at the judge. Consequently, the judge had kicked him out for creating a drama.
As police tried to take him away, Zahir Jaffer had grabbed Inspector Mustafa Kiyani by the collar. However, the police had managed to take him out of the courtroom and put him in the court lockup.
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Amid intense media spotlight, the proceedings of the Noor Mukadam murder case are likely to be a huge test for Pakistan’s judiciary as it looks to ensure justice is served. It has been over three months since that grisly murder took place and came to light, and in the time since, all eyes in the country have been fixed in place, waiting for the case’s ultimate outcome.
Under Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, the trial of the case finally began last month. However, it has emerged that the Islamabad police has submitted an incomplete challan, a detail that may prove crucial in the coming days and weeks. While it records that the police reached the scene of the crime in Islamabad’s F7/4 Sector on July 20, it provides no details on who tipped the police off on the killing of the 27-year-old victim. On the other hand, it narrates the initial statement of Noor Mukadam's father, former diplomat Shaukat Ali Mukadam. A key witness for the prosecution, Shaukat is set to record his statement in court very soon.
Details of the challan
According to the challan, Noor's parents were not at their residence on the afternoon of July 19. Noor’s father had been shopping for an animal for the ritual Eidul Azha sacrifice while her mother had been picking up dresses for religious festival from a tailor in Islamabad’s F10 locality. When Noor’s father returned home, the challan records that he found Noor to be not at home. Her mother reached home soon after and attempted to call Noor on her cellphone to find out where she was. The call failed to connect because Noor’s phone was switched off.
Beginning to worry, Noor’s parents contacted her friends. They were told she was going to Lahore with some of her friends and would return in the next couple of days.
A day later, on the afternoon of July 2020, Zahir Jaffer, who had an acquaintance with him, called Noor’s father to say that she was not with him, the challan records. Later that evening, at 10pm, Noor’s father received a call from the Kohsar Police Station and found out that his daughter had been murdered. Noor’s father Shaukat was first asked to come to the police station and later brought to Zahir’s residence where he discovered the brutal manner in which his daughter was murdered.
Upon confirming his daughter’s identity, Noor’s father demanded maximum punishment for Zahir, who was accused of the murder and arrested on the spot by the Inspector Abdul Sattar and ASI Muhammad Zubair. The challan notes that Zahir was in his ‘complete senses’ at the time. Noor’s decapitated body was discovered in the same room as him.
As the police gathered evidence, the challan notes that Crime Scene Incharge Muhammad Imran collected a knife, knuckleduster, 9mm handgun magazine and a laptop from the room Noor’s body was found in. Police took remand of Zahir for 12 days, collecting his fingerprints along with footage from CCTV cameras installed at his residence. According to the challan, the footage revealed the gruesome treatment Noor was subjected to before being murdered.
The challan states Zahir was medically examined on July 23. It is silent, however, on the mental condition of the principle accused. The medical examination also confirmed that the accused had sexually assaulted Noor prior to the murder.
The statement of the accused
In his statement on July 24, recorded in the challan, Zahir claims that Noor had turned him down for marriage on July 20. In the statement, he admits that Noor tried to escape his residence and that he had forcefully detained her. The accused, in his statement, said he ordered the guards at his residence to neither let anyone inside nor let Noor out. He told his parents the same via cellphone before killing Noor with a sharp knife.
Zahir in his statement claimed that his father had assured that ‘some people’ would come and shift Noor’s dead body away from the residence. He claims that his father told him to ‘not worry’ and that he would ‘deal with the matter’.
Some time later, five staff members of Therapy Works, an organisation that claims to provide mental health services, arrived at the scene. In the statement, Zahir said their arrival scared him, prompting him to attack them. A member of the Therapy Works team, Amjad Mehmood, was injured in the ensuing scuffle.
The police reached the scene soon after and apprehended Zahir. The accused, the challan reveals, recovered Noor’s phone for them from another room himself.
Attempt to obscure evidence
Investigation by police has suggested that Zahir’s parents called for the team from Therapy Works for ‘abetment’ and destruction of evidence. It also revealed that the parents did not inform the police of the crime in a timely manner. The call data record (CDR) obtained by the police reveals that the Zahir’s father Zakir Jaffer contacted him on July 19. The accused made several calls to his parents on the afternoon and evening of July 20 as well.
According to investigators, Noor may have been saved had Zahir’s father informed them about the development in time and suggests the parents were involved in abetting the crime. The police nominated Therapy Works staff member Amjad Mahmood among the accused on account of concealment of real cause of injury in the hospital.
Preventing Noor’s escape
Zahir’s guard Iftikhar and gardener Muhammad Jan are also nominated as accused on account of assisting and facilitating the accused in the murder.
According to digital video recorder (DVR) footage obtained by the police, Noor entered Zahir’s residence on July 18. Guard Iftikhar was manning the main gate but did not make any inquiries from her. The police established that the families of Noor and Zahir had interacted with each other in the past and the same was confirmed by the accused.
Regarding the role of Zahir’s guard and gardener, investigators stated that Noor, in an attempt to save herself, jumped from a window on July 20 at around 7:12 pm. She landed at a railing on the ground floor, suffering serious injuries to her abdomen. Limping with great difficulty, she managed to reach the main gate of the residence. Zahir, the principal accused, was not present at the time and had she managed to escape, she may have been alive today. The guard and gardener were allegedly present and witnessed the entire scene. Investigators said that instead of helping her, both voluntarily, mercilessly and callously bolted the main gate and did not allow her to escape.
The gardener also informed the principal accused, as vividly seen in the CCTV footage, of what had transpired. Subsequently, the principal accused shut her in the guard’s cabin at first and then dragged her to the main lobby of the house. These acts, of bolting the main gate, not helping the victim escape from wrongful confinement and informing the principal accused, bring the case of the guard and gardener within the remit of abetment, the challan states.
The investigation report also revealed that the principal accused Zahir was planning to leave the country through Qatar Airlines on July 19 but he could not travel.
The case in court
According to the first challan, a total 12 individuals have been implicated in Noor’s murder: principal accused Zahir Jaffer, his parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat, and Muhammad Iftikhar, Jameel Ahmed, Muhammed Jan, Tahir Zahoor, Dalip Kumar, Wamiq Riaz, Abdul Haq and Amjad Mahmood.
The prosecution has submitted a list of 18 witnesses. Currently, the trial court is recording their statements. Their names are Shaukat Ali Mukadam, Jawad Jehan, Dr Shazia Zubair, Amir Shahzad, Muhammad Raza, Muhammad Zubair Mazhar, Constable Abid Lateef, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Mudassir, Basharat Hussain, Aqsa Rani, Dost Muhammad, Sikandar Ali, Sikandar Hayat, Muhammad Riaz, Farasat Faheem Akhtar and Abdul Sattar.
In September, the Islamabad High Court directed the trial court to conclude the case within two months after framing the charge. Shah Khawar, the counsel for the complainants, expected that the statements of prosecution witnesses would be recorded within the next two weeks. He expressed satisfaction that the prosecution has made a very good case and expects the court to conclude the trial over the next couple of months.
Although Zahir’s parents have engaged counsels for themselves, no private lawyer has so far appeared on behalf of the principal accused, prompting the court to appoint a counsel to represent him.
The mental health factor
For now, the representatives of the accused have submitted no formal application to examine his mental health condition. Speaking to The Express Tribune, complainants’ counsel Shah Khawar said the stage for such an application had passed now, as it should have been submitted before the trial commenced.
Meanwhile, Advocate Salman Safdar, who has expertise in criminal law, said Zahir’s condition reflected behavioural issues which do not fall under the criminal law definitions for insanity.
Even so, one section of lawyers believes that the apex court can still examine the mental health of the accused after confirmation of their conviction, like in the case of Safia Bano. It is said that when a magistrate holding an inquiry or a trial has reason to believe that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, the magistrate shall inquire into the fact of such unsoundnesss, and shall cause such a person to be examined by the civil surgeon of the district or any other medical officer that the provincial government directs. Such a surgeon or officer shall thereupon be examined as a witness in the case. Pending such examination and inquiry, the magistrate may deal with the accused in accordance with the provisions of Section 466. And if the magistrate is of opinion that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making defence, he shall record a finding to that effect and shall postpone further proceedings in the case.
The procedure in case a person sent for trial is deemed lunatic proceeds along the following steps. If any person appearing before a court for trial is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, the court shall, in the first instance, try the fact of such unsoundness and incapacity. If the court is satisfied of the fact, it shall record a finding to that effect and postpone further proceedings. The trial of the fact of the unsoundness of mind and incapacity of the accused shall be deemed to be part of his trial before the Court.
SC landmark ruling on insanity
In February, the apex court in its judgment directed that restrictive terms like ‘unsoundness of mind’ be replaced with internationally recognised definitions of mental illness and mental disorder. It opined that limited definition of the terms ‘mental disorder’ or ‘mental illness’ should be avoided, and the provincial legislatures may, in order to better appreciate the evolving nature of medical science, appropriately amend the relevant provisions of the mental health laws to cater to medically recognised mental and behavioral disorders as notified by World Health Organisation through its latest edition of International Classification of Disease.
The court also recognised that outdated terms such as ‘lunatic’ and ‘insane’ in the Code of Criminal Procedure, Prison Rules and the Pakistan Penal Code be replaced with terms that are more inclusive and sensitive.
The court held that where the accused raises any specific plea, permissible under the law, including a plea under section 84 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the onus to prove such a plea is on the accused. However, while proving such a plea, the accused may benefit from any material, oral or documentary, produced or relied upon by the prosecution.
Regarding the plea of the accused before or during trial, the court made the following observations. Whenever the trial court is put to notice, either by express claim made on behalf of the accused or through court’s own observations, regarding the issue of incapability of an accused to understand the proceedings of trial and to make his or her defence, this shall be taken seriously while keeping in mind the importance of procedural fairness and due process guaranteed under the Constitution and the law. To this end, the accused can lead the evidence and adduce evidence in his/her claim. Moreover the head of the Medical Board shall appear as a witness in court can be cross-examined by both the prosecution and the defence.
While forming a prima facie tentative opinion, the court may give due consideration to its own observations in relation to the conduct and demeanour of an accused person. Failure of the parties to raise such a claim, during trial, does not debar the Court from forming an opinion on its own regarding the capability of an accused person to face the proceedings of trial. A prima facie tentative opinion cannot be formed by the court only on the basis of such questions posed to the accused. The court is required to objectively consider all the material available before it, including the material placed/relied upon by the prosecution.
Once the court has formed a prima facie tentative opinion that the accused may be incapable of understanding the proceedings of trial or make his/her defence, it becomes obligatory upon the court to conduct an inquiry to decide the issue of incapacity of the accused to face trial due to mental illness. The court must have the accused examined by a Medical Board, to be notified by the Provincial Government, that consists of qualified medical experts in the field of mental health. Such experts shall examine the accused and opine on whether the accused is capable or otherwise to understand the proceedings of trial and make his/her defence. The medical report or opinion must be detailed and structured with specific reference to psychopathology (if any) in the mental functions of consciousness, intellect, thinking, mood, emotions, perceptions, cognition, judgment and insight.
The SC judgment has set precedent for the rights and protections afforded to mentally ill prisoners at arrest, investigation, trial, sentencing and clemency stage. The court directed the Federal Government and all the Provincial Governments to immediately make necessary amendments in the relevant laws and the rules in the light of observations given in this judgment, and that the Prison Rules should be appropriately amended so as to bring the jail manuals of all the Provinces in harmony. The Supreme Court has also directed the federal government and all the provincial governments to immediately establish and create high security forensic mental health facilities in the teaching and training institutions of mental health for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of under trial prisoners and convicts who have developed mental ailments during their incarceration. This is the first time that a direction has ever been passed to set up forensic facilities by a superior court.
Interestingly, despite this judgment, Zahir Jaffer’s family did not raise issue regarding mental health of principal accused.
Media coverage and court proceedings
Noor Mukadam’s case has also triggered debate on whether media coverage has made the judges over-conscious by not granting bail to the co-accused in this matter. Even superior courts are proactive in this matter. Firstly, when parents approached for bail, Islamabad High Court rejected their bail with direction to lower court to conclude trial within two months.
Interestingly, a division bench apex court passed unique order in bail matters of parents. After arguing his case at length, the counsel for the petitioner Zakir Jaffer did not press this petition for bail after arrest. Therefore his petition was dismissed as not pressed.
The counsel for petitioner has urged the SC that the time period of eight weeks specified in IHC September 23 order “to conclude the trial expeditiously preferably within eight weeks from the framing of charge” deprives the petitioner of a fair opportunity to lead his defence. However, the bench did not agree with that submission which is conjectural and without reference to facts. "It goes without saying that the petitioners have a right of presenting their defence before the learned trial court and in this respect, the learned trial court shall consider and decide their pleas in accordance with law as envisaged in Article 10A of the Constitution," says the SC order passed on October 18.
The bench granted bail to the petitioner Ismat Zakir Jaffer subject to her name being retained on the ECL and her furnishing bail bonds in the sum of Rs1 million with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court concerned. The court also observed that this concession of bail may be withdrawn if the petitioner (Zahir’s mother) misuses it in any manner, including causing delay in the expeditious conclusion of the trial or influencing the prosecution witnesses.
Senior lawyers believe that there was no need to give last observation in this order. They believe that it reflects that the court is being influenced from intensive coverage of case on digital media. Even one of the defence counsels wonders how parents have been pronounced guilty before trial due to continuous media coverage. He also states that the police investigation is silent on the mental condition of principal accused.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/232814...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
Under Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, the trial of the case finally began last month. However, it has emerged that the Islamabad police has submitted an incomplete challan, a detail that may prove crucial in the coming days and weeks. While it records that the police reached the scene of the crime in Islamabad’s F7/4 Sector on July 20, it provides no details on who tipped the police off on the killing of the 27-year-old victim. On the other hand, it narrates the initial statement of Noor Mukadam's father, former diplomat Shaukat Ali Mukadam. A key witness for the prosecution, Shaukat is set to record his statement in court very soon.
Details of the challan
According to the challan, Noor's parents were not at their residence on the afternoon of July 19. Noor’s father had been shopping for an animal for the ritual Eidul Azha sacrifice while her mother had been picking up dresses for religious festival from a tailor in Islamabad’s F10 locality. When Noor’s father returned home, the challan records that he found Noor to be not at home. Her mother reached home soon after and attempted to call Noor on her cellphone to find out where she was. The call failed to connect because Noor’s phone was switched off.
Beginning to worry, Noor’s parents contacted her friends. They were told she was going to Lahore with some of her friends and would return in the next couple of days.
A day later, on the afternoon of July 2020, Zahir Jaffer, who had an acquaintance with him, called Noor’s father to say that she was not with him, the challan records. Later that evening, at 10pm, Noor’s father received a call from the Kohsar Police Station and found out that his daughter had been murdered. Noor’s father Shaukat was first asked to come to the police station and later brought to Zahir’s residence where he discovered the brutal manner in which his daughter was murdered.
Upon confirming his daughter’s identity, Noor’s father demanded maximum punishment for Zahir, who was accused of the murder and arrested on the spot by the Inspector Abdul Sattar and ASI Muhammad Zubair. The challan notes that Zahir was in his ‘complete senses’ at the time. Noor’s decapitated body was discovered in the same room as him.
As the police gathered evidence, the challan notes that Crime Scene Incharge Muhammad Imran collected a knife, knuckleduster, 9mm handgun magazine and a laptop from the room Noor’s body was found in. Police took remand of Zahir for 12 days, collecting his fingerprints along with footage from CCTV cameras installed at his residence. According to the challan, the footage revealed the gruesome treatment Noor was subjected to before being murdered.
The challan states Zahir was medically examined on July 23. It is silent, however, on the mental condition of the principle accused. The medical examination also confirmed that the accused had sexually assaulted Noor prior to the murder.
The statement of the accused
In his statement on July 24, recorded in the challan, Zahir claims that Noor had turned him down for marriage on July 20. In the statement, he admits that Noor tried to escape his residence and that he had forcefully detained her. The accused, in his statement, said he ordered the guards at his residence to neither let anyone inside nor let Noor out. He told his parents the same via cellphone before killing Noor with a sharp knife.
Zahir in his statement claimed that his father had assured that ‘some people’ would come and shift Noor’s dead body away from the residence. He claims that his father told him to ‘not worry’ and that he would ‘deal with the matter’.
Some time later, five staff members of Therapy Works, an organisation that claims to provide mental health services, arrived at the scene. In the statement, Zahir said their arrival scared him, prompting him to attack them. A member of the Therapy Works team, Amjad Mehmood, was injured in the ensuing scuffle.
The police reached the scene soon after and apprehended Zahir. The accused, the challan reveals, recovered Noor’s phone for them from another room himself.
Attempt to obscure evidence
Investigation by police has suggested that Zahir’s parents called for the team from Therapy Works for ‘abetment’ and destruction of evidence. It also revealed that the parents did not inform the police of the crime in a timely manner. The call data record (CDR) obtained by the police reveals that the Zahir’s father Zakir Jaffer contacted him on July 19. The accused made several calls to his parents on the afternoon and evening of July 20 as well.
According to investigators, Noor may have been saved had Zahir’s father informed them about the development in time and suggests the parents were involved in abetting the crime. The police nominated Therapy Works staff member Amjad Mahmood among the accused on account of concealment of real cause of injury in the hospital.
Preventing Noor’s escape
Zahir’s guard Iftikhar and gardener Muhammad Jan are also nominated as accused on account of assisting and facilitating the accused in the murder.
According to digital video recorder (DVR) footage obtained by the police, Noor entered Zahir’s residence on July 18. Guard Iftikhar was manning the main gate but did not make any inquiries from her. The police established that the families of Noor and Zahir had interacted with each other in the past and the same was confirmed by the accused.
Regarding the role of Zahir’s guard and gardener, investigators stated that Noor, in an attempt to save herself, jumped from a window on July 20 at around 7:12 pm. She landed at a railing on the ground floor, suffering serious injuries to her abdomen. Limping with great difficulty, she managed to reach the main gate of the residence. Zahir, the principal accused, was not present at the time and had she managed to escape, she may have been alive today. The guard and gardener were allegedly present and witnessed the entire scene. Investigators said that instead of helping her, both voluntarily, mercilessly and callously bolted the main gate and did not allow her to escape.
The gardener also informed the principal accused, as vividly seen in the CCTV footage, of what had transpired. Subsequently, the principal accused shut her in the guard’s cabin at first and then dragged her to the main lobby of the house. These acts, of bolting the main gate, not helping the victim escape from wrongful confinement and informing the principal accused, bring the case of the guard and gardener within the remit of abetment, the challan states.
The investigation report also revealed that the principal accused Zahir was planning to leave the country through Qatar Airlines on July 19 but he could not travel.
The case in court
According to the first challan, a total 12 individuals have been implicated in Noor’s murder: principal accused Zahir Jaffer, his parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat, and Muhammad Iftikhar, Jameel Ahmed, Muhammed Jan, Tahir Zahoor, Dalip Kumar, Wamiq Riaz, Abdul Haq and Amjad Mahmood.
The prosecution has submitted a list of 18 witnesses. Currently, the trial court is recording their statements. Their names are Shaukat Ali Mukadam, Jawad Jehan, Dr Shazia Zubair, Amir Shahzad, Muhammad Raza, Muhammad Zubair Mazhar, Constable Abid Lateef, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Mudassir, Basharat Hussain, Aqsa Rani, Dost Muhammad, Sikandar Ali, Sikandar Hayat, Muhammad Riaz, Farasat Faheem Akhtar and Abdul Sattar.
In September, the Islamabad High Court directed the trial court to conclude the case within two months after framing the charge. Shah Khawar, the counsel for the complainants, expected that the statements of prosecution witnesses would be recorded within the next two weeks. He expressed satisfaction that the prosecution has made a very good case and expects the court to conclude the trial over the next couple of months.
Although Zahir’s parents have engaged counsels for themselves, no private lawyer has so far appeared on behalf of the principal accused, prompting the court to appoint a counsel to represent him.
The mental health factor
For now, the representatives of the accused have submitted no formal application to examine his mental health condition. Speaking to The Express Tribune, complainants’ counsel Shah Khawar said the stage for such an application had passed now, as it should have been submitted before the trial commenced.
Meanwhile, Advocate Salman Safdar, who has expertise in criminal law, said Zahir’s condition reflected behavioural issues which do not fall under the criminal law definitions for insanity.
Even so, one section of lawyers believes that the apex court can still examine the mental health of the accused after confirmation of their conviction, like in the case of Safia Bano. It is said that when a magistrate holding an inquiry or a trial has reason to believe that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, the magistrate shall inquire into the fact of such unsoundnesss, and shall cause such a person to be examined by the civil surgeon of the district or any other medical officer that the provincial government directs. Such a surgeon or officer shall thereupon be examined as a witness in the case. Pending such examination and inquiry, the magistrate may deal with the accused in accordance with the provisions of Section 466. And if the magistrate is of opinion that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making defence, he shall record a finding to that effect and shall postpone further proceedings in the case.
The procedure in case a person sent for trial is deemed lunatic proceeds along the following steps. If any person appearing before a court for trial is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, the court shall, in the first instance, try the fact of such unsoundness and incapacity. If the court is satisfied of the fact, it shall record a finding to that effect and postpone further proceedings. The trial of the fact of the unsoundness of mind and incapacity of the accused shall be deemed to be part of his trial before the Court.
SC landmark ruling on insanity
In February, the apex court in its judgment directed that restrictive terms like ‘unsoundness of mind’ be replaced with internationally recognised definitions of mental illness and mental disorder. It opined that limited definition of the terms ‘mental disorder’ or ‘mental illness’ should be avoided, and the provincial legislatures may, in order to better appreciate the evolving nature of medical science, appropriately amend the relevant provisions of the mental health laws to cater to medically recognised mental and behavioral disorders as notified by World Health Organisation through its latest edition of International Classification of Disease.
The court also recognised that outdated terms such as ‘lunatic’ and ‘insane’ in the Code of Criminal Procedure, Prison Rules and the Pakistan Penal Code be replaced with terms that are more inclusive and sensitive.
The court held that where the accused raises any specific plea, permissible under the law, including a plea under section 84 of the Pakistan Penal Code, the onus to prove such a plea is on the accused. However, while proving such a plea, the accused may benefit from any material, oral or documentary, produced or relied upon by the prosecution.
Regarding the plea of the accused before or during trial, the court made the following observations. Whenever the trial court is put to notice, either by express claim made on behalf of the accused or through court’s own observations, regarding the issue of incapability of an accused to understand the proceedings of trial and to make his or her defence, this shall be taken seriously while keeping in mind the importance of procedural fairness and due process guaranteed under the Constitution and the law. To this end, the accused can lead the evidence and adduce evidence in his/her claim. Moreover the head of the Medical Board shall appear as a witness in court can be cross-examined by both the prosecution and the defence.
While forming a prima facie tentative opinion, the court may give due consideration to its own observations in relation to the conduct and demeanour of an accused person. Failure of the parties to raise such a claim, during trial, does not debar the Court from forming an opinion on its own regarding the capability of an accused person to face the proceedings of trial. A prima facie tentative opinion cannot be formed by the court only on the basis of such questions posed to the accused. The court is required to objectively consider all the material available before it, including the material placed/relied upon by the prosecution.
Once the court has formed a prima facie tentative opinion that the accused may be incapable of understanding the proceedings of trial or make his/her defence, it becomes obligatory upon the court to conduct an inquiry to decide the issue of incapacity of the accused to face trial due to mental illness. The court must have the accused examined by a Medical Board, to be notified by the Provincial Government, that consists of qualified medical experts in the field of mental health. Such experts shall examine the accused and opine on whether the accused is capable or otherwise to understand the proceedings of trial and make his/her defence. The medical report or opinion must be detailed and structured with specific reference to psychopathology (if any) in the mental functions of consciousness, intellect, thinking, mood, emotions, perceptions, cognition, judgment and insight.
The SC judgment has set precedent for the rights and protections afforded to mentally ill prisoners at arrest, investigation, trial, sentencing and clemency stage. The court directed the Federal Government and all the Provincial Governments to immediately make necessary amendments in the relevant laws and the rules in the light of observations given in this judgment, and that the Prison Rules should be appropriately amended so as to bring the jail manuals of all the Provinces in harmony. The Supreme Court has also directed the federal government and all the provincial governments to immediately establish and create high security forensic mental health facilities in the teaching and training institutions of mental health for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of under trial prisoners and convicts who have developed mental ailments during their incarceration. This is the first time that a direction has ever been passed to set up forensic facilities by a superior court.
Interestingly, despite this judgment, Zahir Jaffer’s family did not raise issue regarding mental health of principal accused.
Media coverage and court proceedings
Noor Mukadam’s case has also triggered debate on whether media coverage has made the judges over-conscious by not granting bail to the co-accused in this matter. Even superior courts are proactive in this matter. Firstly, when parents approached for bail, Islamabad High Court rejected their bail with direction to lower court to conclude trial within two months.
Interestingly, a division bench apex court passed unique order in bail matters of parents. After arguing his case at length, the counsel for the petitioner Zakir Jaffer did not press this petition for bail after arrest. Therefore his petition was dismissed as not pressed.
The counsel for petitioner has urged the SC that the time period of eight weeks specified in IHC September 23 order “to conclude the trial expeditiously preferably within eight weeks from the framing of charge” deprives the petitioner of a fair opportunity to lead his defence. However, the bench did not agree with that submission which is conjectural and without reference to facts. "It goes without saying that the petitioners have a right of presenting their defence before the learned trial court and in this respect, the learned trial court shall consider and decide their pleas in accordance with law as envisaged in Article 10A of the Constitution," says the SC order passed on October 18.
The bench granted bail to the petitioner Ismat Zakir Jaffer subject to her name being retained on the ECL and her furnishing bail bonds in the sum of Rs1 million with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court concerned. The court also observed that this concession of bail may be withdrawn if the petitioner (Zahir’s mother) misuses it in any manner, including causing delay in the expeditious conclusion of the trial or influencing the prosecution witnesses.
Senior lawyers believe that there was no need to give last observation in this order. They believe that it reflects that the court is being influenced from intensive coverage of case on digital media. Even one of the defence counsels wonders how parents have been pronounced guilty before trial due to continuous media coverage. He also states that the police investigation is silent on the mental condition of principal accused.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/232814...RCMHZFeS1HVnpTSTdlOXdJV19VSmJRbzRROVktUFZYUlI
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Zahir Jaffer, the primary accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, was expelled from a sessions court in Islamabad once again after he disrupted proceedings for witness cross-examinations on Wednesday.
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20. A first information report was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
A trial court on October 14 had indicted Zahir along with 11 others in the case — his parents, their three household staff including Iftikhar (watchman), Jan Muhammad (gardener) and Jameel (cook), Therapyworks CEO Tahir Zahoor and employees Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq and Samar Abbas. The murder trial formally began on Oct 20.
During today's hearing, which was presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, all accused in the case were presented in the court.
Zahir started speaking during the cross-examination of Muhammad Imran, in-charge of the National Forensic Crime Agency, and called upon Judge Rabbani to bring about a compromise in the case. "Are you listening to me?" he asked the judge.
At this point, he was ordered to be sent out of the courtroom along with his father (Zakir Jaffer) and the three household staff. The four were later admitted back while Zahir was taken to a holding cell.
Zahir had previously disrupted proceedings during a hearing on November 3 for the case, hurling obscenities at Judge Rabbani who had then directed police officials to take him away. Video footage of the incident showed policemen dragging Zahir out of the courtroom.
The judge had warned Zahir in a written order that his court appearances would be disallowed if he continued his outbursts and did not correct his behaviour.
Inspector Mustafa Kiani had also registered a case against Zahir at the Margalla police station under Sections 353/186 (interfering in the state function) and 325 (attempt to commit suicide) of the PPC.
Witness cross-examination
At the hearing today, lawyer Akram Qureshi and Shehzad Qureshi represented Therapyworks employees; Sajjad Ahmed Bhatti and Malik Shahbaz Rasheed appeared as legal counsel of the household staff of Jaffer's house.
The counsel for Noor's family, Advocate Shah Khawar, was not present and when the judge questioned why, Advocate Babar Hayat Soomro said he was busy in the Supreme Court and asked the judge to initiate the day's proceedings without him.
Prosecutor Hasan Ali recorded Imran's statement. Imran informed the court that he had collected various pieces of evidence from the room such as the murder knife, guns, magazines, four cigarettes and made parcels before handing them over to the investigating officer. He also said that Noor's head was found beside the window.
Defence counsel Akram questioned him on his whereabouts and the time when he got alerted to the incident. "I was at home ... I was alerted at 9:40pm by the SP office," Imran responded, adding that he didn't know the name of the caller, but he was told that it was from the office of the superintendent of police.
He informed the court about other details such as the distance of his office from his house and the office's distance from the crime scene. He said he had reached the crime scene at around 10:30pm and eight to 10 people were present there including Senior Superintendent of Police Attaur Rehman and other police officials.
"All the items from the room were seized and given to the investigating officer. We remained at the crime scene for around three hours with the investigating officer. The fingerprints for the knife were taken but not for the gun and the knuckleduster," he said.
DAWN
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20. A first information report was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder, under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam.
A trial court on October 14 had indicted Zahir along with 11 others in the case — his parents, their three household staff including Iftikhar (watchman), Jan Muhammad (gardener) and Jameel (cook), Therapyworks CEO Tahir Zahoor and employees Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq and Samar Abbas. The murder trial formally began on Oct 20.
During today's hearing, which was presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, all accused in the case were presented in the court.
Zahir started speaking during the cross-examination of Muhammad Imran, in-charge of the National Forensic Crime Agency, and called upon Judge Rabbani to bring about a compromise in the case. "Are you listening to me?" he asked the judge.
At this point, he was ordered to be sent out of the courtroom along with his father (Zakir Jaffer) and the three household staff. The four were later admitted back while Zahir was taken to a holding cell.
Zahir had previously disrupted proceedings during a hearing on November 3 for the case, hurling obscenities at Judge Rabbani who had then directed police officials to take him away. Video footage of the incident showed policemen dragging Zahir out of the courtroom.
The judge had warned Zahir in a written order that his court appearances would be disallowed if he continued his outbursts and did not correct his behaviour.
Inspector Mustafa Kiani had also registered a case against Zahir at the Margalla police station under Sections 353/186 (interfering in the state function) and 325 (attempt to commit suicide) of the PPC.
Witness cross-examination
At the hearing today, lawyer Akram Qureshi and Shehzad Qureshi represented Therapyworks employees; Sajjad Ahmed Bhatti and Malik Shahbaz Rasheed appeared as legal counsel of the household staff of Jaffer's house.
The counsel for Noor's family, Advocate Shah Khawar, was not present and when the judge questioned why, Advocate Babar Hayat Soomro said he was busy in the Supreme Court and asked the judge to initiate the day's proceedings without him.
Prosecutor Hasan Ali recorded Imran's statement. Imran informed the court that he had collected various pieces of evidence from the room such as the murder knife, guns, magazines, four cigarettes and made parcels before handing them over to the investigating officer. He also said that Noor's head was found beside the window.
Defence counsel Akram questioned him on his whereabouts and the time when he got alerted to the incident. "I was at home ... I was alerted at 9:40pm by the SP office," Imran responded, adding that he didn't know the name of the caller, but he was told that it was from the office of the superintendent of police.
He informed the court about other details such as the distance of his office from his house and the office's distance from the crime scene. He said he had reached the crime scene at around 10:30pm and eight to 10 people were present there including Senior Superintendent of Police Attaur Rehman and other police officials.
"All the items from the room were seized and given to the investigating officer. We remained at the crime scene for around three hours with the investigating officer. The fingerprints for the knife were taken but not for the gun and the knuckleduster," he said.
DAWN
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Authority (Pemra) prohibited all satellite TV channels on Sunday from airing the leaked CCTV footage showing Noor Mukadam's unsuccessful attempt to escape Zahir Jaffer’s house, where she was eventually murdered.
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
In the CCTV footage, Noor Mukadam could be seen running towards the main gate of the house barefoot in a bid to escape; however, the gate was shut on her by the gatekeeper who was reportedly told by Zahir to keep her confined.
On Thursday an Islamabad trial court ordered the investigation officer to unseal the CCTV footage and give copies to the lawyers representing Zahir Jaffer and his parents, Asmat and Zakir Jaffer.
Judge Atta Rabbani said the decision to hand over the video footage, wherein Noor could be seen entering the house where she was murdered, was taken on directives of the Islamabad High Court.
On Saturday, the footage was leaked and shared on social media.
“The Judge told them that it shouldn't be leaked at all. Now it's out there,” wrote Noor’s friends on a Twitter microblog called ‘Justice for Noor’.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2329416/pemra-prohibits-airing-of-leaked-cctv-footage-of-noor-mukadam
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
In the CCTV footage, Noor Mukadam could be seen running towards the main gate of the house barefoot in a bid to escape; however, the gate was shut on her by the gatekeeper who was reportedly told by Zahir to keep her confined.
On Thursday an Islamabad trial court ordered the investigation officer to unseal the CCTV footage and give copies to the lawyers representing Zahir Jaffer and his parents, Asmat and Zakir Jaffer.
Judge Atta Rabbani said the decision to hand over the video footage, wherein Noor could be seen entering the house where she was murdered, was taken on directives of the Islamabad High Court.
On Saturday, the footage was leaked and shared on social media.
“The Judge told them that it shouldn't be leaked at all. Now it's out there,” wrote Noor’s friends on a Twitter microblog called ‘Justice for Noor’.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2329416/pemra-prohibits-airing-of-leaked-cctv-footage-of-noor-mukadam
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The defense in the Noor Mukadam murder case on Wednesday requested the Islamabad trial court to provide them with the full record of the CCTV footage of the incident.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani heard the case wherein the counsel of the accused submitted an affidavit in the court, which also prayed to investigate the leak of the said footage on social media.
During the hearing, Advocate Basharatullah representing prime accused Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer, Asad Jamal representing Zahir's mother Asmat Adamjee, Sajjad Ahmed Bhatti the legal representative of Zahir's domestic staff and Akram Qureshi the legal counsel of Therapyworks employees appeared before the court.
The accused released on bail were also present, along with four witnesses.
Earlier, the trial court had ordered the investigation officer to unseal the CCTV footage and give copies to the lawyers representing Zahir and his parents.
Judge Rabbani had said that the decision to hand over the video footage, wherein Noor could be seen entering the house where she was murdered, was taken on directives of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
During the proceedings today, the court directed the counsel Malik Amjad to get the power of attorney signed by the prime accused.
However, Zahir refused to sign the attorney that would have given him legal representation and said that “this is not my lawyer, I will not sign. My lawyer is Babar and he is coming."
Throwing another tantrum in the court, Zahir asked the judge for water. "There is no arrangement for drinking water inside the courtroom. Can you look into that first?" said Zahir.
On the directions of the court, the police gave Zahir water to drink.
Witness Dr Shazia, who was part of the team that conducted Noor’s post-mortem, said that Dr Saira Ali Khan had written the autopsy report on her instructions.
The defendant’s counsel prayed to the court that due to this supplementary evidence Dr Shazia cannot be a witness to the case.
On November 14, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) prohibited all satellite TV channels from airing the leaked CCTV footage showing Noor's unsuccessful attempt to escape Zahir’s house, where she was eventually murdered.
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2329846/noor-mukadam-case-defense-requests-full-cctv-footage
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani heard the case wherein the counsel of the accused submitted an affidavit in the court, which also prayed to investigate the leak of the said footage on social media.
During the hearing, Advocate Basharatullah representing prime accused Zahir Jaffer's father Zakir Jaffer, Asad Jamal representing Zahir's mother Asmat Adamjee, Sajjad Ahmed Bhatti the legal representative of Zahir's domestic staff and Akram Qureshi the legal counsel of Therapyworks employees appeared before the court.
The accused released on bail were also present, along with four witnesses.
Earlier, the trial court had ordered the investigation officer to unseal the CCTV footage and give copies to the lawyers representing Zahir and his parents.
Judge Rabbani had said that the decision to hand over the video footage, wherein Noor could be seen entering the house where she was murdered, was taken on directives of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
During the proceedings today, the court directed the counsel Malik Amjad to get the power of attorney signed by the prime accused.
However, Zahir refused to sign the attorney that would have given him legal representation and said that “this is not my lawyer, I will not sign. My lawyer is Babar and he is coming."
Throwing another tantrum in the court, Zahir asked the judge for water. "There is no arrangement for drinking water inside the courtroom. Can you look into that first?" said Zahir.
On the directions of the court, the police gave Zahir water to drink.
Witness Dr Shazia, who was part of the team that conducted Noor’s post-mortem, said that Dr Saira Ali Khan had written the autopsy report on her instructions.
The defendant’s counsel prayed to the court that due to this supplementary evidence Dr Shazia cannot be a witness to the case.
On November 14, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) prohibited all satellite TV channels from airing the leaked CCTV footage showing Noor's unsuccessful attempt to escape Zahir’s house, where she was eventually murdered.
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2329846/noor-mukadam-case-defense-requests-full-cctv-footage
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A local court of Islamabad has directed the Director-General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the issue of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage related to Noor Mukadam's murder going viral and also sought a report in this regard.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani issued the directives on the plea of plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the court rejected a plea filed by accused Ismat Adamjee, who was released on bail in the same case, to provide her complete CCTV footage of the incident.
The court noted that the relevant parts of the footage had been provided in accordance with the judgement of the Islamabad High Court.
In a third plea, the court allowed the prosecution to summon two new witnesses, Dr Anam and Dr Hammad, to testify in the next hearing of the case.
The court rejected the objection by the defendants' lawyers regarding the names of the witnesses not being on the list of earlier witnesses.
On November 14, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) prohibited all satellite TV channels from airing the leaked CCTV footage showing Noor's unsuccessful attempt to escape Zahir’s house, where she was eventually murdered.
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2330915/fia-directed-to-probe-leakage-of-noor-mukadams-footage
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani issued the directives on the plea of plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the court rejected a plea filed by accused Ismat Adamjee, who was released on bail in the same case, to provide her complete CCTV footage of the incident.
The court noted that the relevant parts of the footage had been provided in accordance with the judgement of the Islamabad High Court.
In a third plea, the court allowed the prosecution to summon two new witnesses, Dr Anam and Dr Hammad, to testify in the next hearing of the case.
The court rejected the objection by the defendants' lawyers regarding the names of the witnesses not being on the list of earlier witnesses.
On November 14, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) prohibited all satellite TV channels from airing the leaked CCTV footage showing Noor's unsuccessful attempt to escape Zahir’s house, where she was eventually murdered.
A notification issued by Pemra stated that “telecast of CCTV footage” of Noor and Zahir has been prohibited under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.
The authority directed all “TV channels to stop airing [the] CCTV footage” immediately and warned of “strict action… against violators”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2330915/fia-directed-to-probe-leakage-of-noor-mukadams-footage
Any medical evidence that he is insane?
As in some countries if you can prove insanity, then the sentence and where you serve it can be different.
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The main accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, Zahir Jaffer, on Wednesday pleaded that he was "mentally ill".
The plea, through the main accused's lawyer, comes around four months after the grisly murder.
Earlier, the police had said that Zahir Jaffer, was mentally sound and in his senses when he was arrested from the crime scene in late July.
During today's proceedings, presided by Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, the prime accused's counsel Sikandar Zulqarnain submitted a petition that his client was "mentally ill".
The counsel also requested the court to form a medical board and conduct a mental health check-up of the accused.
On at least two prior occasions, Zahir Jaffer was kicked out of the courtroom for unruly behaviour and hurling abuses at the presiding judge.
Noor Mukadam, the 27-year-old daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was murdered in Islamabad’s F-7/4 neighbourhood on July 20. Zahir Jaffer was arrested at the crime scene on the same day. The incident had also sparked public outrage and grabbed media attention.
Zahir Jaffer’s parents and their servants were are also arrested on charges of abetment and hiding evidence. According to the challan, Therapy Works employees tried to cover up the crime and destroyed the evidence.
The plea, through the main accused's lawyer, comes around four months after the grisly murder.
Earlier, the police had said that Zahir Jaffer, was mentally sound and in his senses when he was arrested from the crime scene in late July.
During today's proceedings, presided by Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, the prime accused's counsel Sikandar Zulqarnain submitted a petition that his client was "mentally ill".
The counsel also requested the court to form a medical board and conduct a mental health check-up of the accused.
On at least two prior occasions, Zahir Jaffer was kicked out of the courtroom for unruly behaviour and hurling abuses at the presiding judge.
Noor Mukadam, the 27-year-old daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was murdered in Islamabad’s F-7/4 neighbourhood on July 20. Zahir Jaffer was arrested at the crime scene on the same day. The incident had also sparked public outrage and grabbed media attention.
Zahir Jaffer’s parents and their servants were are also arrested on charges of abetment and hiding evidence. According to the challan, Therapy Works employees tried to cover up the crime and destroyed the evidence.
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A sessions court in Islamabad dismissed on Wednesday an application filed by the legal team of Zahir Jaffer — the primary accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case — seeking the constitution of a medical board to determine his mental health.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict, which the court had reserved earlier in the day after hearing arguments from both sides.
At the hearing, Advocate Shah Khawar, the counsel for Noor's family, submitted in court his written response to the defendant's petition and asked the court to dismiss the request.
"Zahir Jaffer kept on appearing before the court on various occasions for remand and trial," Khawar noted. "The application by the primary accused was submitted at the time when the trial was concluding."
Public prosecutor Hassan Abbas recalled that Zahir, during one of the hearings, had asked why Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) was imposed on him.
He further said that Zahir used to counsel students at a local school, adding that "all these things are on record" as he opposed the accused's application for the formation of a medical board.
Zahir's counsel, Sikandar Zulqarnain , also presented his arguments. He said the request for a medical board was submitted only after witnessing his client's behaviour during the course of the trial.
It is pertinent to mention here that Zahir was forcefully removed from the courtroom multiple times during the trial for hurling obscenities at the judge and being disruptive during court proceedings.
Subsequently, the court reserved its verdict the formation of a medical board's formation and adjourned the case till January 15.
DAWN
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict, which the court had reserved earlier in the day after hearing arguments from both sides.
At the hearing, Advocate Shah Khawar, the counsel for Noor's family, submitted in court his written response to the defendant's petition and asked the court to dismiss the request.
"Zahir Jaffer kept on appearing before the court on various occasions for remand and trial," Khawar noted. "The application by the primary accused was submitted at the time when the trial was concluding."
Public prosecutor Hassan Abbas recalled that Zahir, during one of the hearings, had asked why Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) was imposed on him.
He further said that Zahir used to counsel students at a local school, adding that "all these things are on record" as he opposed the accused's application for the formation of a medical board.
Zahir's counsel, Sikandar Zulqarnain , also presented his arguments. He said the request for a medical board was submitted only after witnessing his client's behaviour during the course of the trial.
It is pertinent to mention here that Zahir was forcefully removed from the courtroom multiple times during the trial for hurling obscenities at the judge and being disruptive during court proceedings.
Subsequently, the court reserved its verdict the formation of a medical board's formation and adjourned the case till January 15.
DAWN
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Shaukat Ali Mukadam, the father of slain Noor Mukadam, recorded in an Islamabad court on Saturday his statement in the murder case of his daughter and demanded capital punishment for Zahir Jaffer — the primary accused.
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20, 2021. A first information report was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father.
A trial court on October 14 had indicted Zahir along with 11 others — his parents, their three household staff including Iftikhar (watchman), Jan Muhammad (gardener) and Jameel (cook), Therapyworks CEO Tahir Zahoor and employees Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq and Samar Abbas — in the case. The murder trial formally began on Oct 20.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani presided over the hearing today during which Shaukat said that he did not have a "personal enmity" with anyone, adding that "my daughter was unjustly killed".
"Zahir Jaffer should be given a death sentence," he said.
At the hearing's outset, Shaukat requested the judge to overlook any lapses in protocol since it was his first time appearing in a courtroom. He proceeded to recount the day's events when Noor was murdered, saying he and his wife had left for some chores on July 19 and when he returned back to their house, Noor was not there.
The court was told in the testimony that Noor had still not returned when Shaukat's wife came back, which worried the two and prompted them to call her but Noor's mobile was turned off. Shaukat said it was then that he started searching for her and when Noor finally picked up her phone, she said she was going to Lahore with her friends for a few days and told her parents to not worry.
"[On] July 20 — I know Zahir's family — Zahir called me on two numbers in the afternoon and said Noor was not with him," he said, adding that later in the day at 10pm he got a call from Kohsar police station informing him that his daughter had been killed and asking him to visit the police station.
Shaukat said he reached the police station and was taken to a house that belonged to Zahir, adding that when he went inside he saw that Noor "was brutally murdered and decapitated".
He said he identified Noor's body and gave his signed statement to Assistant Sub-Inspector Zubair Mazhar and later signed off on a report on the cause of death. Shaukat added he had handed over Noor's body for a postmortem on July 21.
He recalled that on July 23 he was called for an investigation and recovery of Noor's mobile and added that when he visited Kohsar police station the next day during Zahir's interrogation, the accused revealed that he had called Noor over on July 18 and confiscated her mobile prior to killing her. Upon visiting Zahir's residence, the phone was found in a closet, Shaukat said.
Basharatullah Khan, the counsel for Zahir's father and co-accused Zakir Jaffer, then conducted his cross-examination of Shaukat's account.
He asked Shaukat to confirm if it was usual for Noor to leave their house without informing them. He also questioned Shaukat about the placed he had searched Noor at and whether he had provided the names of her friends in the investigation.
"No I did not name any friend and I did not search [for Noor] after the phone call came," Shaukat replied.
Therapyworks owner Tahir Zahoor's lawyer Akram Qureshi conducted his cross-examination during which Shaukat mentioned a number of details that he had not mentioned before, including the contact numbers of Noor's friends and the timing of her call and the timing of Zahir's call.
"You misrepresented in court that she (Noor) called you," Qureshi said as Shaukat denied doing so.
Shaukat said he did not remember the name of the police officer who had called him. "I received such [horrifying] news that I don't remember the name," he said. He added that he did not remember the name of the officer he met at the police station and left without registering a case.
Shaukat said he had seen the CCTV footage on the night of July 20 and in the morning on July 21. He said he did not know any of the other accused apart from the Jaffer family and had not had their identification parade carried out.
Meanwhile, a junior lawyer for Sikandar Zulqarnain, Zahir's lawyer, presented a medical report in court. "Sikandar Zulqarnain is afflicted by Covid-19," he said.
Meanwhile, the court was informed that Zahir's lawyer was afflicted with Covid-19.
At this, the judge adjourned the hearing till January 17 after no objection from other lawyers following a short discussion on how a hearing with a Covid-positive lawyer would be possible.
DAWN
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20, 2021. A first information report was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father.
A trial court on October 14 had indicted Zahir along with 11 others — his parents, their three household staff including Iftikhar (watchman), Jan Muhammad (gardener) and Jameel (cook), Therapyworks CEO Tahir Zahoor and employees Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq and Samar Abbas — in the case. The murder trial formally began on Oct 20.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani presided over the hearing today during which Shaukat said that he did not have a "personal enmity" with anyone, adding that "my daughter was unjustly killed".
"Zahir Jaffer should be given a death sentence," he said.
At the hearing's outset, Shaukat requested the judge to overlook any lapses in protocol since it was his first time appearing in a courtroom. He proceeded to recount the day's events when Noor was murdered, saying he and his wife had left for some chores on July 19 and when he returned back to their house, Noor was not there.
The court was told in the testimony that Noor had still not returned when Shaukat's wife came back, which worried the two and prompted them to call her but Noor's mobile was turned off. Shaukat said it was then that he started searching for her and when Noor finally picked up her phone, she said she was going to Lahore with her friends for a few days and told her parents to not worry.
"[On] July 20 — I know Zahir's family — Zahir called me on two numbers in the afternoon and said Noor was not with him," he said, adding that later in the day at 10pm he got a call from Kohsar police station informing him that his daughter had been killed and asking him to visit the police station.
Shaukat said he reached the police station and was taken to a house that belonged to Zahir, adding that when he went inside he saw that Noor "was brutally murdered and decapitated".
He said he identified Noor's body and gave his signed statement to Assistant Sub-Inspector Zubair Mazhar and later signed off on a report on the cause of death. Shaukat added he had handed over Noor's body for a postmortem on July 21.
He recalled that on July 23 he was called for an investigation and recovery of Noor's mobile and added that when he visited Kohsar police station the next day during Zahir's interrogation, the accused revealed that he had called Noor over on July 18 and confiscated her mobile prior to killing her. Upon visiting Zahir's residence, the phone was found in a closet, Shaukat said.
Basharatullah Khan, the counsel for Zahir's father and co-accused Zakir Jaffer, then conducted his cross-examination of Shaukat's account.
He asked Shaukat to confirm if it was usual for Noor to leave their house without informing them. He also questioned Shaukat about the placed he had searched Noor at and whether he had provided the names of her friends in the investigation.
"No I did not name any friend and I did not search [for Noor] after the phone call came," Shaukat replied.
Therapyworks owner Tahir Zahoor's lawyer Akram Qureshi conducted his cross-examination during which Shaukat mentioned a number of details that he had not mentioned before, including the contact numbers of Noor's friends and the timing of her call and the timing of Zahir's call.
"You misrepresented in court that she (Noor) called you," Qureshi said as Shaukat denied doing so.
Shaukat said he did not remember the name of the police officer who had called him. "I received such [horrifying] news that I don't remember the name," he said. He added that he did not remember the name of the officer he met at the police station and left without registering a case.
Shaukat said he had seen the CCTV footage on the night of July 20 and in the morning on July 21. He said he did not know any of the other accused apart from the Jaffer family and had not had their identification parade carried out.
Meanwhile, a junior lawyer for Sikandar Zulqarnain, Zahir's lawyer, presented a medical report in court. "Sikandar Zulqarnain is afflicted by Covid-19," he said.
Meanwhile, the court was informed that Zahir's lawyer was afflicted with Covid-19.
At this, the judge adjourned the hearing till January 17 after no objection from other lawyers following a short discussion on how a hearing with a Covid-positive lawyer would be possible.
DAWN
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Policemen carried Zahir Jaffer, primary accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, on a chair to the courtroom from the bakshi khana — a temporary lockup situated in the district courts for under-trial prisoners — during the hearing in a Islamabad district and sessions court on Monday, with his lawyer contending that his mental condition had "worsened".
Junior lawyer Usman Riaz Gul was representing Zahir during today's proceedings as the accused's counsel, Advocate Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem, did not appear before the court. He later joined the hearing through a video connection.
Prior to his joining, Gul drew the court's attention to Zahir's absence from the hearing.
"I have stated thrice that primary accused Zahir Jaffer has not been produced [before the court].”
When the judge also took notice of Zahir's absence, Akram Qureshi — counsel for Therapyworks owner Tahir Zahoor, a co-accused in the case — informed him that Zahir was not in a condition to be able to walk.
At that, Judge Rabbani remarked that he had written a letter to the jail authorities, directing them to get Zahir's medical check-up done.
Eventually, Zahir, who was seen sitting hunched over in a chair, was carried to the courtroom by policemen.
"The mental condition of the accused has worsened," said Gul, upon Zahir's arrival.
Judge Rabbani then repeated that he had written a letter to jail authorities, directing them regarding Zahir's medical check-up.
Following that, Zahir was taken back to the bakhshi khana.
Meanwhile, back in the courtroom, Gul requested the court to issue a written order regarding Zahir's medical check-up and treatment.
"I already issued a written order at the previous hearing," Judge Rabbani remarked.
The lawyer replied that the judge's directives issued at the previous hearing had not been implemented and that was why the court was being moved again on the matter.
The judge, however, did not respond to the request.
An application seeking the formation of a medical board to determine the state of Zahir's mental health has already been dismissed by the court, which observed in its written order on the matter that the plea had been raised "just to get rid of criminal liability".
The order, issued on January 6, stated that the plea was filed when the trial was nearing its end and the matter had not been raised before the court earlier.
"Facts and attending circumstances reveal that the accused is not suffering from mental illness [and] such afterthought plea has been raised just to get rid of criminal liability," the order read.
Complainant's cross-examination
Zahir's counsel, Advocate Saleem, joined the hearing later through a video link, after the court rebuked junior lawyer Gul over the advocate's absence.
At the last hearing, Advocate Saleem's medical reports were presented to the court and it was informed that the lawyer had contracted Covid-19.
Today, Gul requested the court to defer the hearing due to Advocate Saleem's absence, who he said was ill and could not appear appear before the court.
Irked by this, Judge Rabbani pointed out to him that the counsel's job was to assist in the proceedings and not to create hurdles in their way.
Gul then said, "We don't want delay in the trial," and requested that the senior lawyer be allowed to join the hearing via a video link.
Upon the court's approval, Advocate Saleem later joined the session through a video link and cross-examined Shaukat Ali Mukadam, the father of slain Noor Mukadam and complainant in the case.
He had recorded his statement at the previous hearing.
During the cross-examination, he said he was made a diplomat in 2010 and served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea until 2013. Shaukat added that he retired in December 2014.
When asked about his family's details, he replied: "His daughter Sara's age is 35, son Muhammad's is 33 and Noor's was around 27 to 28."
"My son, Muhammad Ali, never joined the investigation," he said, adding that his wife's name was Kausar.
The lawyer then turned his attention to the murder case, asking the complainant whether Noor was at home when they had left on July 19 last year, a day before Noor was found murdered at Zahir Jaffer’s residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4.
Shaukat replied, "When we left our house, we believed that she was at home, but she was not.”
Answering subsequent questions, he shared that Noor had called her mother and informed that she was going to Lahore with her friends.
But this conversation between Noor and her mother was not mentioned in the complaint, Shaukat said. He also told the court that the phone number of Noor's mother was not mentioned in the complaint either.
He added that Noor had left the house without informing them two to three times.
"But she would inform after reaching [wherever she had gone]."
Shaukat further said that when Noor called to inform them about her leaving for Lahore, she did not specify with whom she was going.
"She just said she was going with friends."
He said he hadn't filed a report with the police after finding out that Noor's phone was switched off.
The former diplomat said he didn't remember the name of the police officer who had called him and neither had he shared this information during the investigation.
Zahir, he said, had called him on WhatsApp. "But I also didn't mention that he had called me on my personal number, on WhatsApp."
"I have never shared during the investigation that Zahir called me on WhatsApp.”
He said he had never stopped Noor from visiting Zahir's house and never asked Zahir’s parents to stop her either.
To a question, he said he had signed five pages in relevance to the case and during the course of the proceedings.
In the build-up to the next question, Advocate Saleem said, "Don't be angry at my next question. You are a [former] ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."
"Can such a relation exist in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?" he questioned, referring to Zahir and Noor.
In reply, Shaukat said both of them were university students.
At that point, Asad Jamal, the counsel for Zahir's mother and co-accused Asma Adamjee, interjected and requested that the question be "dropped".
"This is not an appropriate question," he said.
Advocate Saleem, however, said, "He (Shaukat) is giving his reply. Let him answer."
Saleem added that Zahir and Noor had been related for long.
But Shaukat's counsels, Shah Khawar and Babar Hayat Soomro again objected to the question.
Soomro said under article 146 of the Qanun-i-Shahadat Order, 1984, scandalous questions could not be asked.
At that, the judge asked Advocate Saleem to drop the question.
Advocate Saleem then said Noor and Zahir were class fellows and asked Shaukat whether he knew that Zahir had been deported from London.
Shaukat refuted that Noor and Zahir were class fellows and denied having any knowledge of the latter's deportation.
He also told the court that police had searched Zahir's house in his presence.
After the cross-examination, Advocate Saleem apologised to Shaukat for his "hard questions".
The court adjourned the hearing till January 20.
Earlier in the hearing, the investigating officer's statement was recorded who recounted the events of the case's investigation in detail.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam, who is a retired Pakistani diplomat.
After the FIR was registered in the murder case, Zahir's parents and household staff were arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
Junior lawyer Usman Riaz Gul was representing Zahir during today's proceedings as the accused's counsel, Advocate Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem, did not appear before the court. He later joined the hearing through a video connection.
Prior to his joining, Gul drew the court's attention to Zahir's absence from the hearing.
"I have stated thrice that primary accused Zahir Jaffer has not been produced [before the court].”
When the judge also took notice of Zahir's absence, Akram Qureshi — counsel for Therapyworks owner Tahir Zahoor, a co-accused in the case — informed him that Zahir was not in a condition to be able to walk.
At that, Judge Rabbani remarked that he had written a letter to the jail authorities, directing them to get Zahir's medical check-up done.
Eventually, Zahir, who was seen sitting hunched over in a chair, was carried to the courtroom by policemen.
"The mental condition of the accused has worsened," said Gul, upon Zahir's arrival.
Judge Rabbani then repeated that he had written a letter to jail authorities, directing them regarding Zahir's medical check-up.
Following that, Zahir was taken back to the bakhshi khana.
Meanwhile, back in the courtroom, Gul requested the court to issue a written order regarding Zahir's medical check-up and treatment.
"I already issued a written order at the previous hearing," Judge Rabbani remarked.
The lawyer replied that the judge's directives issued at the previous hearing had not been implemented and that was why the court was being moved again on the matter.
The judge, however, did not respond to the request.
An application seeking the formation of a medical board to determine the state of Zahir's mental health has already been dismissed by the court, which observed in its written order on the matter that the plea had been raised "just to get rid of criminal liability".
The order, issued on January 6, stated that the plea was filed when the trial was nearing its end and the matter had not been raised before the court earlier.
"Facts and attending circumstances reveal that the accused is not suffering from mental illness [and] such afterthought plea has been raised just to get rid of criminal liability," the order read.
Complainant's cross-examination
Zahir's counsel, Advocate Saleem, joined the hearing later through a video link, after the court rebuked junior lawyer Gul over the advocate's absence.
At the last hearing, Advocate Saleem's medical reports were presented to the court and it was informed that the lawyer had contracted Covid-19.
Today, Gul requested the court to defer the hearing due to Advocate Saleem's absence, who he said was ill and could not appear appear before the court.
Irked by this, Judge Rabbani pointed out to him that the counsel's job was to assist in the proceedings and not to create hurdles in their way.
Gul then said, "We don't want delay
Upon the court's approval, Advocate Saleem later joined the session through a video link and cross-examined Shaukat Ali Mukadam, the father of slain Noor Mukadam and complainant in the case.
He had recorded his statement at the previous hearing.
During the cross-examination, he said he was made a diplomat in 2010 and served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea until 2013. Shaukat added that he retired in December 2014.
When asked about his family's details, he replied: "His daughter Sara's age is 35, son Muhammad's is 33 and Noor's was around 27 to 28."
"My son, Muhammad Ali, never joined the investigation," he said, adding that his wife's name was Kausar.
The lawyer then turned his attention to the murder case, asking the complainant whether Noor was at home when they had left on July 19 last year, a day before Noor was found murdered at Zahir Jaffer’s residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4.
Shaukat replied, "When we left our house, we believed that she was at home, but she was not.”
Answering subsequent questions, he shared that Noor had called her mother and informed that she was going to Lahore with her friends.
But this conversation between Noor and her mother was not mentioned in the complaint, Shaukat said. He also told the court that the phone number of Noor's mother was not mentioned in the complaint either.
He added that Noor had left the house without informing them two to three times.
"But she would inform after reaching [wherever she had gone]."
Shaukat further said that when Noor called to inform them about her leaving for Lahore, she did not specify with whom she was going.
"She just said she was going with friends."
He said he hadn't filed a report with the police after finding out that Noor's phone was switched off.
The former diplomat said he didn't remember the name of the police officer who had called him and neither had he shared this information during the investigation.
Zahir, he said, had called him on WhatsApp. "But I also didn't mention that he had called me on my personal number, on WhatsApp."
"I have never shared during the investigation that Zahir called me on WhatsApp.”
He said he had never stopped Noor from visiting Zahir's house and never asked Zahir’s parents to stop her either.
To a question, he said he had signed five pages in relevance to the case and during the course of the proceedings.
In the build-up to the next question, Advocate Saleem said, "Don't be angry at my next question. You are a [former] ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."
"Can such a relation exist in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?" he questioned, referring to Zahir and Noor.
In reply, Shaukat said both of them were university students.
At that point, Asad Jamal, the counsel for Zahir's mother and co-accused Asma Adamjee, interjected and requested that the question be "dropped".
"This is not an appropriate question," he said.
Advocate Saleem, however, said, "He (Shaukat) is giving his reply. Let him answer."
Saleem added that Zahir and Noor had been related for long.
But Shaukat's counsels, Shah Khawar and Babar Hayat Soomro again objected to the question.
Soomro said under article 146 of the Qanun-i-Shahadat Order, 1984, scandalous questions could not be asked.
At that, the judge asked Advocate Saleem to drop the question.
Advocate Saleem then said Noor and Zahir were class fellows and asked Shaukat whether he knew that Zahir had been deported from London.
Shaukat refuted that Noor and Zahir were class fellows and denied having any knowledge of the latter's deportation.
He also told the court that police had searched Zahir's house in his presence.
After the cross-examination, Advocate Saleem apologised to Shaukat for his "hard questions".
The court adjourned the hearing till January 20.
Earlier in the hearing, the investigating officer's statement was recorded who recounted the events of the case's investigation in detail.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam, who is a retired Pakistani diplomat.
After the FIR was registered in the murder case, Zahir's parents and household staff were arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
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Doctors at the Adiala Jail Hospital have declared Zahir Jaffer, the key accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, as completely fit.
At the plea of the accused, submitted through his counsel, the court directed the authorities concerned to conduct Zahir's medical checkup. The Adiala Jail doctors submitted the report before Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani.
According to the doctor, Zahir underwent several medical check-ups. A psychiatrist also examined and declared the accused to be fully fit.
"Zahir Jaffer is physically and mentally healthy," the doctor said.
Two days ago, it was reported that all prosecution witnesses including the investigating officer recorded their statements in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
The cross-examination of all witnesses except for the investigating officer was also completed in the murder case. The investigation officer was cross-examined today.
Plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam appeared before the court and was cross-examined by the counsel for the main accused on January 18.
State Councilor Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem, counsel for the main accused Zahir Jaffer, cross-examined Shaukat Mukadam through the video link. Shaukat Mukadam said that he had been an ambassador between 2010 and 2013. He said that he had signed the application for the FIR.
The lawyer of the accused asked the plaintiff “as a former ambassador, do you think it is right for a boy and a girl to have contacts without any relationship in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?"
In response to this, which Shaukat Mukadam said that it was not correct but the nature of the relationship should be seen. He said in universities, girls and boys study together. The two had known each other for 20 to 25 years.
However, lawyer Asad Jamal termed the counsel’s question improper and called for it to be dropped.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/233963...jaffer-physically-mentally-fit-to-stand-trial
At the plea of the accused, submitted through his counsel, the court directed the authorities concerned to conduct Zahir's medical checkup. The Adiala Jail doctors submitted the report before Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani.
According to the doctor, Zahir underwent several medical check-ups. A psychiatrist also examined and declared the accused to be fully fit.
"Zahir Jaffer is physically and mentally healthy," the doctor said.
Two days ago, it was reported that all prosecution witnesses including the investigating officer recorded their statements in the Noor Mukadam murder case.
The cross-examination of all witnesses except for the investigating officer was also completed in the murder case. The investigation officer was cross-examined today.
Plaintiff Shaukat Mukadam appeared before the court and was cross-examined by the counsel for the main accused on January 18.
State Councilor Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem, counsel for the main accused Zahir Jaffer, cross-examined Shaukat Mukadam through the video link. Shaukat Mukadam said that he had been an ambassador between 2010 and 2013. He said that he had signed the application for the FIR.
The lawyer of the accused asked the plaintiff “as a former ambassador, do you think it is right for a boy and a girl to have contacts without any relationship in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?"
In response to this, which Shaukat Mukadam said that it was not correct but the nature of the relationship should be seen. He said in universities, girls and boys study together. The two had known each other for 20 to 25 years.
However, lawyer Asad Jamal termed the counsel’s question improper and called for it to be dropped.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/233963...jaffer-physically-mentally-fit-to-stand-trial
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The investigation officer on Monday told the trial court that in the forensic report, fingerprints of Zahir Jaffer, the main accused in the murder of Noor Muqqadam, were not found on the weapon recovered from the crime scene nor did his pants contain blood stains at the time of his arrest.
When Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani resumed hearing of the case, the main accused's counsel Sikandar Zulqarnain cross-examined Investigation Officer (IO) Inspector Abdul Sattar. Prosecutor Rana Hassan Abbas was also present.
During the hearing, the main accused Zahir Jaffer continuously sat on the ground in the courtroom with his head down.
During the cross-examination, IO Sattar while answering questions of Zulqarnain said that he reached the crime scene after getting information from the investigation wing at around 9:45 pm along with Constable Dost Muhammad, Constable Sikandar Hayat, ASI Zubair Mazhar, Constable Abid Lateef, Constable Aitzaz, SHO Women and Lady Constable Aqsa Rani.
He told the court that ASI Zubair Mazhar had already reached the scene. The IO said that what he had written in the police diary that Mazhar was accompanying him was incorrect.
He said that plaintiff Shaukat Ali Muqqadam was already present at the crime scene along with his relatives but he never asked him (Muqqadam) who they were except for a person named Jawad Jahan.
“I did not ask Jawad Jahan how he received the information and reached the crime scene," he added adding that as per the DNA report issued by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, the hair recovered from a Swiss knife was not fit for the DNA analysis.
The IO told the court that there were no bloodstains on the paints of accused Zahir when he was arrested.
"I reread all the documents after the preparation of the challan. The death certificate obtained from Federal Polyclinic Hospital Islamabad mentions the date and time of death as midnight, July 21, 2021," the IO said.
The dead body was sent from the F-7 house to the mortuary at 11:45 pm on July 20, Sattartold the court adding that Dr Shazia had given a document on which the time of admission was mentioned as 12:10 am, July 21, while the date of death has been mentioned as July 21.
The court also learnt that Column 7 of the inquest report mentioned that there were no signs of any cut on the clothes of the deceased. It was also revealed that the two remands granted on July 21, and July 24 respectively, did not mention the recovery of anything from the crime scene. The IO also admitted that the July 22 site map neither show the presence of Zahir Jaffer nor the basement and the entry or exit to the basement of the house.
"I have not mentioned in the police diary that I searched only the first floor, the lounge, and the related room and not searched other portions of the house," Sattar told the court. The IO further said that he did not personally know Noor Muqqadam and that he did not get the photo collected from the DVR vetted through a photogrammetry test.
"I didn't mention the name/brand/company of the DVR recovered from the house," he said. Sattar also accepted that he did not notice that a security system was installed at the house.
"I didn't get the torn-out clothes of the deceased, her handbag, or any other belongings which I had seen in the CCTV footage. Sattar also declared that neither did he record the statement of any person from the neighbouring nor get the CCTV footage from the neighbouring house.
The court adjourned the hearing till January 26.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2022.
When Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani resumed hearing of the case, the main accused's counsel Sikandar Zulqarnain cross-examined Investigation Officer (IO) Inspector Abdul Sattar. Prosecutor Rana Hassan Abbas was also present.
During the hearing, the main accused Zahir Jaffer continuously sat on the ground in the courtroom with his head down.
During the cross-examination, IO Sattar while answering questions of Zulqarnain said that he reached the crime scene after getting information from the investigation wing at around 9:45 pm along with Constable Dost Muhammad, Constable Sikandar Hayat, ASI Zubair Mazhar, Constable Abid Lateef, Constable Aitzaz, SHO Women and Lady Constable Aqsa Rani.
He told the court that ASI Zubair Mazhar had already reached the scene. The IO said that what he had written in the police diary that Mazhar was accompanying him was incorrect.
He said that plaintiff Shaukat Ali Muqqadam was already present at the crime scene along with his relatives but he never asked him (Muqqadam) who they were except for a person named Jawad Jahan.
“I did not ask Jawad Jahan how he received the information and reached the crime scene," he added adding that as per the DNA report issued by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, the hair recovered from a Swiss knife was not fit for the DNA analysis.
The IO told the court that there were no bloodstains on the paints of accused Zahir when he was arrested.
"I reread all the documents after the preparation of the challan. The death certificate obtained from Federal Polyclinic Hospital Islamabad mentions the date and time of death as midnight, July 21, 2021," the IO said.
The dead body was sent from the F-7 house to the mortuary at 11:45 pm on July 20, Sattartold the court adding that Dr Shazia had given a document on which the time of admission was mentioned as 12:10 am, July 21, while the date of death has been mentioned as July 21.
The court also learnt that Column 7 of the inquest report mentioned that there were no signs of any cut on the clothes of the deceased. It was also revealed that the two remands granted on July 21, and July 24 respectively, did not mention the recovery of anything from the crime scene. The IO also admitted that the July 22 site map neither show the presence of Zahir Jaffer nor the basement and the entry or exit to the basement of the house.
"I have not mentioned in the police diary that I searched only the first floor, the lounge, and the related room and not searched other portions of the house," Sattar told the court. The IO further said that he did not personally know Noor Muqqadam and that he did not get the photo collected from the DVR vetted through a photogrammetry test.
"I didn't mention the name/brand/company of the DVR recovered from the house," he said. Sattar also accepted that he did not notice that a security system was installed at the house.
"I didn't get the torn-out clothes of the deceased, her handbag, or any other belongings which I had seen in the CCTV footage. Sattar also declared that neither did he record the statement of any person from the neighbouring nor get the CCTV footage from the neighbouring house.
The court adjourned the hearing till January 26.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2022.
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The counsel for Zahir Jaffer - prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder trial - on Wednesday filed an application against the Inspector General of Islamabad Ahsan Younas.
According to the application filed by Zahir’s counsel, Sikandar Zulqarnain, IGP Younas, alongside DIG operations, chief prosecutor and the investigating officer (IO) held “a press conference in front of [the] media and attempted to give an impression that court proceedings are conducted wrong and need clarification”.
It further alleged the IG, along with other officials, was present outside the court during the cross-examination of IO Abdul Sattar.
It maintained that public office holders are “creating hype” instead of performing their “lawful duties” and that they were attempting to “influence” the proceedings of the court.
The petition prayed that the IG and other officials should be directed to perform their duties and let the court proceed with the case in a legal manner.
Earlier, a trial court judge expressed his displeasure after the counsel for an accused in the Noor Mukadam case told the court that the Islamabad police have issued an explanatory press release over the court proceedings involving the cross-examination of the investigation officer.
Murder scene sitemap
A second petition filed by Zahir's counsel stated that the sitemap of the murder scene presented by the IO was “fabricated” and “wrong”.
Read Last witness records testimony in Noor murder case
The application stated that the IO did not mention all exit points of the “alleged place of occurrence” and that he “concealed” the green belt in his site plan.
It requested the court to “personally” visit the site and prepare a memorandum in this regard.
It further asked the court to proceed against the IO under charges of “purgery and deposing false before the court on oath”.
Confirmation of phone number
A third application moved by the counsel requested the cross-examination of a phone number submitted by Noor Mukadam’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, which he claimed was his wife’s number.
“The cell number mentioned neither belongs to the complainant [Shaukat] nor his wife but belongs to one Tasneem Jasnak, with whom the complainant and deceased of this case was [sic] in contact continuously,” the application read, adding that the information should be available on record of the case.
Shaukat Mukadam’s claim was dubbed “doubtful” as his wife – the mother of Noor Mukadam – had never joined the investigation and was not “floated as a witness”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341592/zahirs-lawyer-files-application-against-ig-islamabad
According to the application filed by Zahir’s counsel, Sikandar Zulqarnain, IGP Younas, alongside DIG operations, chief prosecutor and the investigating officer (IO) held “a press conference in front of [the] media and attempted to give an impression that court proceedings are conducted wrong and need clarification”.
It further alleged the IG, along with other officials, was present outside the court during the cross-examination of IO Abdul Sattar.
It maintained that public office holders are “creating hype” instead of performing their “lawful duties” and that they were attempting to “influence” the proceedings of the court.
The petition prayed that the IG and other officials should be directed to perform their duties and let the court proceed with the case in a legal manner.
Earlier, a trial court judge expressed his displeasure after the counsel for an accused in the Noor Mukadam case told the court that the Islamabad police have issued an explanatory press release over the court proceedings involving the cross-examination of the investigation officer.
Murder scene sitemap
A second petition filed by Zahir's counsel stated that the sitemap of the murder scene presented by the IO was “fabricated” and “wrong”.
Read Last witness records testimony in Noor murder case
The application stated that the IO did not mention all exit points of the “alleged place of occurrence” and that he “concealed” the green belt in his site plan.
It requested the court to “personally” visit the site and prepare a memorandum in this regard.
It further asked the court to proceed against the IO under charges of “purgery and deposing false before the court on oath”.
Confirmation of phone number
A third application moved by the counsel requested the cross-examination of a phone number submitted by Noor Mukadam’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, which he claimed was his wife’s number.
“The cell number mentioned neither belongs to the complainant [Shaukat] nor his wife but belongs to one Tasneem Jasnak, with whom the complainant and deceased of this case was [sic] in contact continuously,” the application read, adding that the information should be available on record of the case.
Shaukat Mukadam’s claim was dubbed “doubtful” as his wife – the mother of Noor Mukadam – had never joined the investigation and was not “floated as a witness”.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341592/zahirs-lawyer-files-application-against-ig-islamabad
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ISLAMABAD: The trial court has sought more time to wrap up the Noor Muqaddam murder case.
The trial of the case could not be completed within the two-month fixed by the Islamabad High Court for the second time.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani has written a letter to the Islamabad High Court seeking more time to complete the trial. In the letter, Judge Atta Rabbani has stated that since all lawyers representing the accused hail from outside Islamabad, the dates for the hearings have to be fixed according to their availability and convenience.
The letter further stated that except for one or two witnesses in the case, the defence counsel have cross-examined them, while statements of 17 witnesses have been recorded in the case.
It was also stated in the letter that during the trial, various petitions were also heard which consumed the court’s time and, because of this, the trial court could not be completed within the stipulated time of two months.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had directed the trial court to wrap up the proceedings within two months after the indictment of the suspects on October 14, 2021.
The trial was supposed to be completed in two months by December 14, 2021.
After being informed by the trial judge, the Islamabad High Court had given six weeks which was completed till the last week of January but the trial is still pending.
Now, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani has again informed the IHC in which it has been asked to give some suitable time so that the trial could be completed. He further said that the cross-examination has been completed after the statements of the prosecution witnesses and the lawyers of the accused will now be given a questionnaire under section 342 of the Criminal Code, after which the final arguments in the case will begin, therefore appropriate time should be given so that the trial can be completed.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2022.
The trial of the case could not be completed within the two-month fixed by the Islamabad High Court for the second time.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani has written a letter to the Islamabad High Court seeking more time to complete the trial. In the letter, Judge Atta Rabbani has stated that since all lawyers representing the accused hail from outside Islamabad, the dates for the hearings have to be fixed according to their availability and convenience.
The letter further stated that except for one or two witnesses in the case, the defence counsel have cross-examined them, while statements of 17 witnesses have been recorded in the case.
It was also stated in the letter that during the trial, various petitions were also heard which consumed the court’s time and, because of this, the trial court could not be completed within the stipulated time of two months.
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had directed the trial court to wrap up the proceedings within two months after the indictment of the suspects on October 14, 2021.
The trial was supposed to be completed in two months by December 14, 2021.
After being informed by the trial judge, the Islamabad High Court had given six weeks which was completed till the last week of January but the trial is still pending.
Now, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani has again informed the IHC in which it has been asked to give some suitable time so that the trial could be completed. He further said that the cross-examination has been completed after the statements of the prosecution witnesses and the lawyers of the accused will now be given a questionnaire under section 342 of the Criminal Code, after which the final arguments in the case will begin, therefore appropriate time should be given so that the trial can be completed.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2022.
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A court in Islamabad on Monday rejected three petitions from Zahir Jaffer, the main accused in the Noor Muqaddam murder case.
Presiding over the hearing, Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the reserved verdict wherein a plea against IG Islamabad Ahsan Younas, a request by the investigating officer to visit the crime scene and another plea to know the owner of a mobile number were rejected.
The verdict was announced after lawyers completed their arguments before the court. Public Prosecutor Hassan Abbas also gave arguments in the case.
Earlier, the trial court had sought more time to wrap up the Noor Muqaddam murder case. The trial of the case could not be completed within the two-month fixed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the second time.
Judge Atta Rabbani wrote a letter to the IHC seeking more time to complete the trial. In the letter, Judge Atta Rabbani has stated that since all lawyers representing the accused hail from outside Islamabad, the dates for the hearings have to be fixed according to their availability and convenience.
Read: Cross-examination of prosecution witnesses complete in Noor case
The letter further stated that except for one or two witnesses in the case, the defence counsel have cross-examined them, while statements of 17 witnesses have been recorded in the case.
It was also stated in the letter that during the trial, various petitions were also heard which consumed the court’s time and, because of this, the trial court could not be completed within the stipulated time of two months.
Earlier, the IHC had directed the trial court to wrap up the proceedings within two months after the indictment of the suspects on October 14, 2021.
The trial was supposed to be completed in two months by December 14, 2021.
Presiding over the hearing, Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the reserved verdict wherein a plea against IG Islamabad Ahsan Younas, a request by the investigating officer to visit the crime scene and another plea to know the owner of a mobile number were rejected.
The verdict was announced after lawyers completed their arguments before the court. Public Prosecutor Hassan Abbas also gave arguments in the case.
Earlier, the trial court had sought more time to wrap up the Noor Muqaddam murder case. The trial of the case could not be completed within the two-month fixed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the second time.
Judge Atta Rabbani wrote a letter to the IHC seeking more time to complete the trial. In the letter, Judge Atta Rabbani has stated that since all lawyers representing the accused hail from outside Islamabad, the dates for the hearings have to be fixed according to their availability and convenience.
Read: Cross-examination of prosecution witnesses complete in Noor case
The letter further stated that except for one or two witnesses in the case, the defence counsel have cross-examined them, while statements of 17 witnesses have been recorded in the case.
It was also stated in the letter that during the trial, various petitions were also heard which consumed the court’s time and, because of this, the trial court could not be completed within the stipulated time of two months.
Earlier, the IHC had directed the trial court to wrap up the proceedings within two months after the indictment of the suspects on October 14, 2021.
The trial was supposed to be completed in two months by December 14, 2021.
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Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani has clarified in the Noor Muqaddam murder case that the court is conducting the trial according to law rather than the opinion or desire of any individual or department.
He remarked that since the case is sub judice, no one can discuss the merits or demerits of the case as it may affect the case for the other party.
The court issued its reasons for the dismissal of three petitions of prime suspect Zahir Jaffer in a three-page order, stating that the petition against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad was discarded on the basis of no evidence found that the officers conducted a press conference regarding the case, nor has given any opinion on the proceedings.
Public Prosecutor Hassan Abbas assured the court that the police would not hold any press conference on the under-trial case.
The second petition, which was filed against the investigating officer (IO) for allegedly drawing up an incorrect map of the crime scene, was also dismissed. The court in a written order stated that the court was informed that the prosecution testimony stage of the case has been completed and the map of the crime scene has been submitted to the court as evidence.
On the other hand, the prosecution is of the view that since the incident took place on the first floor, it is not necessary to include everything else in the site plan. Therefore, the petition to take action against the IO was rejected.
In the third petition, plaintiff Shaukat Muqaddam's request for disclosure of ownership of the mobile number mentioned in his statement was dismissed. The court wrote that the prosecution is basing its case on other more solid aspects of evidence rather than on the record of the said mobile number.
Judge Rabbani will conduct another hearing of the case today, in which a questionnaire will be given to the lawyers of the accused under section 342 of the Criminal Code.
Couple blackmail case
A session court in Islamabad on Tuesday recorded statements of four more witnesses in a case pertaining to harassing, torturing, and blackmailing a couple after making their obscene videos at a flat in Sector E-11 of Islamabad.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani resumed hearing of the harassment case and recorded statement of FIA expert Asma Majeed, who was mentioned in the police diary as a witness in the matter in question.
She said that the request for carrying out forensic test of the suspect's voice was received on January 20, 2022, and its report suggested that the voice in the video clips matched with the accused.
Prime suspect Usman Mirza's lawyer appeared before the court and expressed his wonder that why the police did not get the forensic test of accused Mohib's voice done earlier.
Referring to various court judgments, the lawyer said that submitting a supplementary challan at this stage shows that the prosecution wanted to prolong the case.
Keeping his reservations in view, the court told the defence lawyer that he had the option to challenge the forensic report and the supplementary challan or cross-examine both in the court.
The court also recorded the statements of three other witnesses, including Muhammad Akram, Sajjad Afzal and Muharrar of Golra Sharif police station Kashif Hayat.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
He remarked that since the case is sub judice, no one can discuss the merits or demerits of the case as it may affect the case for the other party.
The court issued its reasons for the dismissal of three petitions of prime suspect Zahir Jaffer in a three-page order, stating that the petition against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad was discarded on the basis of no evidence found that the officers conducted a press conference regarding the case, nor has given any opinion on the proceedings.
Public Prosecutor Hassan Abbas assured the court that the police would not hold any press conference on the under-trial case.
The second petition, which was filed against the investigating officer (IO) for allegedly drawing up an incorrect map of the crime scene, was also dismissed. The court in a written order stated that the court was informed that the prosecution testimony stage of the case has been completed and the map of the crime scene has been submitted to the court as evidence.
On the other hand, the prosecution is of the view that since the incident took place on the first floor, it is not necessary to include everything else in the site plan. Therefore, the petition to take action against the IO was rejected.
In the third petition, plaintiff Shaukat Muqaddam's request for disclosure of ownership of the mobile number mentioned in his statement was dismissed. The court wrote that the prosecution is basing its case on other more solid aspects of evidence rather than on the record of the said mobile number.
Judge Rabbani will conduct another hearing of the case today, in which a questionnaire will be given to the lawyers of the accused under section 342 of the Criminal Code.
Couple blackmail case
A session court in Islamabad on Tuesday recorded statements of four more witnesses in a case pertaining to harassing, torturing, and blackmailing a couple after making their obscene videos at a flat in Sector E-11 of Islamabad.
Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani resumed hearing of the harassment case and recorded statement of FIA expert Asma Majeed, who was mentioned in the police diary as a witness in the matter in question.
She said that the request for carrying out forensic test of the suspect's voice was received on January 20, 2022, and its report suggested that the voice in the video clips matched with the accused.
Prime suspect Usman Mirza's lawyer appeared before the court and expressed his wonder that why the police did not get the forensic test of accused Mohib's voice done earlier.
Referring to various court judgments, the lawyer said that submitting a supplementary challan at this stage shows that the prosecution wanted to prolong the case.
Keeping his reservations in view, the court told the defence lawyer that he had the option to challenge the forensic report and the supplementary challan or cross-examine both in the court.
The court also recorded the statements of three other witnesses, including Muhammad Akram, Sajjad Afzal and Muharrar of Golra Sharif police station Kashif Hayat.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
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Noor murder case: Zahir Jaffer claims he is falsely implicated, state machinery used against him
The lawyers for Zahir Jaffer, primary accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, presented before a district and session's court in Islamabad on Wednesday their client's replies to a court's questionnaire, wherein the accused maintained that he and his parents were falsely implicated in the case, that state machinery and media were used against him and raised objections over the case's investigation and collection of evidence.
The questionnaire was issued under section 342 (power to examine the accused) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and comprised 25 queries.
Lawyers Shahryar Nawaz and Usman Riaz Gul, who represented Zahir at today's proceedings, read out the accused's replies to the queries before Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani.
According to the accused, he had a very close relationship with Noor, who was found murdered at his residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year.
In his replies, the accused submitted that he had not been in contact with Noor for the past six months before her murder and she had come to his house out of her own will on July 18.
"I never kidnapped her," he stated, adding that the DNA test conducted had turned out positive due to their intimate relationship.
He said this in response to a question about the allegation levelled against him of wrongfully confining Noor at his house and a DNA test establishing that he had raped her.
Zahir maintained that his relationship with Noor was consensual, they were good friends and that he was innocent.
"Our families knew about it (their relationship) and the deceased used to attend our family functions. Similarly, I and my family members also used to attend her family functions," Zahir said in his replies.
In response to whether he wanted to give his own statement under Section 340 (2) (right of a person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended and his competency to be a witness) of the CrPC, Zahir shared his version of the events leading to Noor's murder.
He claimed that he had had no contact with Noor for the past six months before her murder, adding that Noor had contacted him on July 18 and asked him to organise a party.
"But I refused," he said, adding that Noor came to his house on the night of July 18, 2021.
"She had drugs... and kept on insisting on a party," Zahir said. "Noor Mukadam also called her friends to the party who came to my house."
According to the accused, he had booked a flight for the US and was supposed to leave on July 19.
"I left my house [for the airport] on July 19 at night while Noor Mukadam kept on asking me to miss the flight. She wanted to travel to America with me. She had asked her friends for money to buy a ticket and coaxed the taxi driver to leave."
Zahir said on July 20, Noor called her friends to his house for a party when his parents and other family members had gone to Karachi to celebrate Eid.
"When the party started, I lost consciousness under the influence of drugs and when I regained consciousness, I found myself tied at my house," he said, adding that after a while, when people in police uniform and plain clothes came to his residence, he then got to know that someone at the party had killed Noor.
"I and my parents have been falsely implicated in this case as the incident took place at my house," he said.
Zahir further said the complainant, Noor's father Shaukat Mukadam, and his relatives were present at his house before police arrived.
"But police did not investigate anyone who was in touch with Noor."
He further argued in his replies that "state machinery and the media were used against me".
In this connection, he claimed that Islamabad SSP Mustafa Tanveer had visited the crime scene and found drugs among Noor's belongings. "When he [the SSP] tried to reveal this fact to the media, he was removed from his position under pressure from state machinery."
He further stated that "it was for the same reason that the victim's belongings were not made a part of the case property."
Moreover, Zahir submitted in his replies that the murder weapon found at the crime scene did not have his fingerprints.
"They also recovered a pistol, which was licensed and present at my house. Police [connived] with the complainant to make it a part of the case property. This is why the pistol's forensic report did not [conclude] that my fingerprints were found," he claimed.
The accused maintained that police had taken his fingerprints while he was in their custody, which was not in line with legal standard operating procedures.
He further said that according to evidence produced by the prosecution, no digital video recorder (DVR) was present at the crime scene. "The DVR was made to strengthen the evidence."
Additionally, Zahir said no transcript of any call detail records (CDR) was prepared, whereas according to a Supreme Court ruling, CDR could not be used as evidence without a transcript.
He said the data for CDR included in evidence was neither acquired from nor verified by a mobile service provider company.
"This is why the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of Noor's phone, as mentioned in the CDR, does not match with the one stated in the forensic laboratory report."
Zahir said his mobile phone had been taken into custody by investigators at the time of his arrest and not on his indication, as had been mentioned in the case.
In fact, he continued, "most of the case's investigation was done inside the police station". He added that only one witness was mentioned with regards to the recovery of his belongings, whereas section 103 of the CrPC required the presence of two witnesses.
He also denied that police had searched his house on July 20 and claimed that his clothes were used to involve him in the case.
This was in response to a question about the recovery of his torn and blood-stained shirt from the crime scene, which was sent for a laboratory analysis.
To another question about a test of his sexual fitness, Zahir stated, "It is true that witness no.13 of the prosecution conducted my medical examination, but he only did it superficially."
In response to another question pointing out that his fingerprints matched with that of a pistol's magazine included in the case, he said it was wrong.
"Police took my fingerprints and used them to [falsely] involve me in the case," he maintained.
To a question about the results of an audio and video analysis and photogrammetry test, he replied that they had also been conducted to falsely implicate him in the case.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam, who is a retired Pakistani diplomat.
After the FIR was registered in the murder case, Zahir's parents and household staff were arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1674184/n...y-implicated-state-machinery-used-against-him
The lawyers for Zahir Jaffer, primary accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, presented before a district and session's court in Islamabad on Wednesday their client's replies to a court's questionnaire, wherein the accused maintained that he and his parents were falsely implicated in the case, that state machinery and media were used against him and raised objections over the case's investigation and collection of evidence.
The questionnaire was issued under section 342 (power to examine the accused) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and comprised 25 queries.
Lawyers Shahryar Nawaz and Usman Riaz Gul, who represented Zahir at today's proceedings, read out the accused's replies to the queries before Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani.
According to the accused, he had a very close relationship with Noor, who was found murdered at his residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year.
In his replies, the accused submitted that he had not been in contact with Noor for the past six months before her murder and she had come to his house out of her own will on July 18.
"I never kidnapped her," he stated, adding that the DNA test conducted had turned out positive due to their intimate relationship.
He said this in response to a question about the allegation levelled against him of wrongfully confining Noor at his house and a DNA test establishing that he had raped her.
Zahir maintained that his relationship with Noor was consensual, they were good friends and that he was innocent.
"Our families knew about it (their relationship) and the deceased used to attend our family functions. Similarly, I and my family members also used to attend her family functions," Zahir said in his replies.
In response to whether he wanted to give his own statement under Section 340 (2) (right of a person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended and his competency to be a witness) of the CrPC, Zahir shared his version of the events leading to Noor's murder.
He claimed that he had had no contact with Noor for the past six months before her murder, adding that Noor had contacted him on July 18 and asked him to organise a party.
"But I refused," he said, adding that Noor came to his house on the night of July 18, 2021.
"She had drugs... and kept on insisting on a party," Zahir said. "Noor Mukadam also called her friends to the party who came to my house."
According to the accused, he had booked a flight for the US and was supposed to leave on July 19.
"I left my house [for the airport] on July 19 at night while Noor Mukadam kept on asking me to miss the flight. She wanted to travel to America with me. She had asked her friends for money to buy a ticket and coaxed the taxi driver to leave."
Zahir said on July 20, Noor called her friends to his house for a party when his parents and other family members had gone to Karachi to celebrate Eid.
"When the party started, I lost consciousness under the influence of drugs and when I regained consciousness, I found myself tied at my house," he said, adding that after a while, when people in police uniform and plain clothes came to his residence, he then got to know that someone at the party had killed Noor.
"I and my parents have been falsely implicated in this case as the incident took place at my house," he said.
Zahir further said the complainant, Noor's father Shaukat Mukadam, and his relatives were present at his house before police arrived.
"But police did not investigate anyone who was in touch with Noor."
He further argued in his replies that "state machinery and the media were used against me".
In this connection, he claimed that Islamabad SSP Mustafa Tanveer had visited the crime scene and found drugs among Noor's belongings. "When he [the SSP] tried to reveal this fact to the media, he was removed from his position under pressure from state machinery."
He further stated that "it was for the same reason that the victim's belongings were not made a part of the case property."
Moreover, Zahir submitted in his replies that the murder weapon found at the crime scene did not have his fingerprints.
"They also recovered a pistol, which was licensed and present at my house. Police [connived] with the complainant to make it a part of the case property. This is why the pistol's forensic report did not [conclude] that my fingerprints were found," he claimed.
The accused maintained that police had taken his fingerprints while he was in their custody, which was not in line with legal standard operating procedures.
He further said that according to evidence produced by the prosecution, no digital video recorder (DVR) was present at the crime scene. "The DVR was made to strengthen the evidence."
Additionally, Zahir said no transcript of any call detail records (CDR) was prepared, whereas according to a Supreme Court ruling, CDR could not be used as evidence without a transcript.
He said the data for CDR included in evidence was neither acquired from nor verified by a mobile service provider company.
"This is why the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of Noor's phone, as mentioned in the CDR, does not match with the one stated in the forensic laboratory report."
Zahir said his mobile phone had been taken into custody by investigators at the time of his arrest and not on his indication, as had been mentioned in the case.
In fact, he continued, "most of the case's investigation was done inside the police station". He added that only one witness was mentioned with regards to the recovery of his belongings, whereas section 103 of the CrPC required the presence of two witnesses.
He also denied that police had searched his house on July 20 and claimed that his clothes were used to involve him in the case.
This was in response to a question about the recovery of his torn and blood-stained shirt from the crime scene, which was sent for a laboratory analysis.
To another question about a test of his sexual fitness, Zahir stated, "It is true that witness no.13 of the prosecution conducted my medical examination, but he only did it superficially."
In response to another question pointing out that his fingerprints matched with that of a pistol's magazine included in the case, he said it was wrong.
"Police took my fingerprints and used them to [falsely] involve me in the case," he maintained.
To a question about the results of an audio and video analysis and photogrammetry test, he replied that they had also been conducted to falsely implicate him in the case.
Case background
Noor, 27, was found murdered at a residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir — who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam, who is a retired Pakistani diplomat.
After the FIR was registered in the murder case, Zahir's parents and household staff were arrested on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1674184/n...y-implicated-state-machinery-used-against-him
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Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, on Monday rejected accusations against him and said the family of the deceased was trying to frame him to get money out of his “rich family”.
In a written statement submitted to the court, Jaffer claimed that he did not murder Noor as he levelled a series of allegations against Noor and her father Shaukat Mukadam.
Zahir also affixed medical reports, news clips, and a USB with his statement. He said he and Noor were in a “consensual relationship” and its proof was recorded was given in the USB.
The prime accused added that he had remained under treatment in the US and Pakistan owing to his drugs use, adding that a medical report was attached with his statement to support the claim.
“The petitioner, Shaukat Mukadam, wants to get money from us and for that reason, he along with police officials, built a case against me and my family,” the statement claimed.
Zahir Jaffer further said Mukadam along with his relatives reached the crime scene before the police team, but his relatives were still not made part of the probe. He alsi claimed that Noor’s mobile phone was switched by the police to allegedly “cover up the phone calls she made to her friends about a drug party”.
“Had the police included the people who attended in the probe then there would have been no case against me,” Zahir Jaffer further claimed. He also accused social media activists and women rights activists of running a campaign against him for their “vested interest” and “money”.
“My case is still in court but they want me to get hanged,” he added.
Zahir further said Noor’s call records submitted to the court did not include data after 10.46 am on July 20. This data was not included to save the people who attended the alleged party, he claimed.
In a written statement submitted to the court, Jaffer claimed that he did not murder Noor as he levelled a series of allegations against Noor and her father Shaukat Mukadam.
Zahir also affixed medical reports, news clips, and a USB with his statement. He said he and Noor were in a “consensual relationship” and its proof was recorded was given in the USB.
The prime accused added that he had remained under treatment in the US and Pakistan owing to his drugs use, adding that a medical report was attached with his statement to support the claim.
“The petitioner, Shaukat Mukadam, wants to get money from us and for that reason, he along with police officials, built a case against me and my family,” the statement claimed.
Zahir Jaffer further said Mukadam along with his relatives reached the crime scene before the police team, but his relatives were still not made part of the probe. He alsi claimed that Noor’s mobile phone was switched by the police to allegedly “cover up the phone calls she made to her friends about a drug party”.
“Had the police included the people who attended in the probe then there would have been no case against me,” Zahir Jaffer further claimed. He also accused social media activists and women rights activists of running a campaign against him for their “vested interest” and “money”.
“My case is still in court but they want me to get hanged,” he added.
Zahir further said Noor’s call records submitted to the court did not include data after 10.46 am on July 20. This data was not included to save the people who attended the alleged party, he claimed.
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The sessions court in Islamabad on Tuesday reserved judgment in the Noor Mukadam’s murder case after the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments, four months after the trial began.
The judgment for the case is likely to be announced on February 24.
During today's hearing presided by Additional sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, lawyer Nisar Asghar gave arguments on behalf of the plaintiff and Noor's father Shaukat Mukadam and questioned the defence for alleging that Noor was indulging in drug use at Zahir’s house. He maintained that action is taken against the owner of the property wherein drugs are found.
He also questioned the absence of Therapy Works staffers after they had alleged that they had the prime accused arrested. Nisar also asked regarding Noor's bag, which has disappeared even though she was seen entering the prime accused's premises with one.
The lawyer further contended that DNA results had confirmed that Zahir was present at the crime scene, yet he has pleaded not guilty, but the six Therapy Works staff members 'knew' of the murder.
Nisar said that according to the CCTV footage of July 20, Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad, Zahir’s staff, were seen blocking Noor.
“Zahir Zakir forcibly took Noor inside the house. Did he deny anything during the whole interrogation?” the counsel questioned.
The defence had concluded its arguments on Monday, whereas the prosecution completed its arguments today (Tuesday).
On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam was brutally beheaded and murdered in Islamabad, sparking outrage across the country. Days later #JusticeForNoor trended on social media with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Qureshi and others condemning the incident.
On July 25, the Islamabad police arrested Zahir Jaffer’s parents Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee and their household staff, Iftikhar and Jameel on the charges of hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime.
On August 15, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that the government placed all suspects – including the parents of prime accused Zahir Jaffer – linked to the murder of Noor Mukadam on the no-fly list to bar them from leaving Pakistan.
On September 11, the police submitted an interim challan in the Noor Mukadam murder case to the court, according to which the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, confessed to killing Noor after she refused to marry him.
According to reports, the DNA test also showed the victim was raped before being killed.
Zahir later meandered from his confession, claiming mental disability - which was dismissed by the additional sessions court - and then alleging that Noor was indulging in drugs at his house prior to her death.
The judgment for the case is likely to be announced on February 24.
During today's hearing presided by Additional sessions Judge Ata Rabbani, lawyer Nisar Asghar gave arguments on behalf of the plaintiff and Noor's father Shaukat Mukadam and questioned the defence for alleging that Noor was indulging in drug use at Zahir’s house. He maintained that action is taken against the owner of the property wherein drugs are found.
He also questioned the absence of Therapy Works staffers after they had alleged that they had the prime accused arrested. Nisar also asked regarding Noor's bag, which has disappeared even though she was seen entering the prime accused's premises with one.
The lawyer further contended that DNA results had confirmed that Zahir was present at the crime scene, yet he has pleaded not guilty, but the six Therapy Works staff members 'knew' of the murder.
Nisar said that according to the CCTV footage of July 20, Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad, Zahir’s staff, were seen blocking Noor.
“Zahir Zakir forcibly took Noor inside the house. Did he deny anything during the whole interrogation?” the counsel questioned.
The defence had concluded its arguments on Monday, whereas the prosecution completed its arguments today (Tuesday).
On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam was brutally beheaded and murdered in Islamabad, sparking outrage across the country. Days later #JusticeForNoor trended on social media with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Qureshi and others condemning the incident.
On July 25, the Islamabad police arrested Zahir Jaffer’s parents Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee and their household staff, Iftikhar and Jameel on the charges of hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime.
On August 15, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that the government placed all suspects – including the parents of prime accused Zahir Jaffer – linked to the murder of Noor Mukadam on the no-fly list to bar them from leaving Pakistan.
On September 11, the police submitted an interim challan in the Noor Mukadam murder case to the court, according to which the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, confessed to killing Noor after she refused to marry him.
According to reports, the DNA test also showed the victim was raped before being killed.
Zahir later meandered from his confession, claiming mental disability - which was dismissed by the additional sessions court - and then alleging that Noor was indulging in drugs at his house prior to her death.
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Court sentences Zahir Jaffer to death for murder of Noor Mukadam
A sessions court in Islamabad on Thursday sentenced primary suspect Zahir Jaffer to death for the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir's household staff Iftikhar and Jameel — both co-accused in the case — were sentenced to 10 years in jail, while all others, including Zahir's parents and TherapyWorks employees, were acquitted.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict, which was reserved on Tuesday following months of hearings.
Zahir, his father Zakir Jaffer, mother Asmat Adamjee and other suspects were present in the court when the verdict was announced.
Noor, 27, was found murdered at Jaffar's residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir Jaffer — the primary accused who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Mukadam, who is a retired diplomat.
Ahead of the verdict today, Zahir was brought to the court along with the other co-accused — Zakir Jaffer (Zahir's father), Iftikhar (watchman) and Jan Mohammad (gardener).
The lawyers, plaintiff Shaukat and other co-accused who are out on bail, including Therapy Works employees and Zahir's mother Asmat Adamjee, also arrived at the court.
After the court marked the attendance of Therapy Works employees, the judge ordered for the courtroom to be emptied, saying he needed to speak to the defendants. The quartet of detained accused, including Zahir, were later sent back from the court once the judge was done with them.
Case history
After the FIR was registered in the case and Zahir was arrested, his parents and household staff were also taken into custody by police on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
Talking to the media after the last hearing, Noor's father, Shaukat Mukadam, had said that he sought "maximum punishment" for the accused and reposed his confidence in Judge Ata Rabbani.
"He has conducted a fair and transparent trial," Shaukat had said of the judge's handling of the case, adding that he was "completely satisfied" with the investigation despite "some ups and downs" as he also commended the police for operating "under pressure".
"It was a difficult time but I had full faith in my daughter. Noor Mukadam was a good girl and she was not involved in anything wrong," Shaukat said.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1676810/court-sentences-zahir-jaffer-to-death-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
A sessions court in Islamabad on Thursday sentenced primary suspect Zahir Jaffer to death for the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Zahir's household staff Iftikhar and Jameel — both co-accused in the case — were sentenced to 10 years in jail, while all others, including Zahir's parents and TherapyWorks employees, were acquitted.
Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict, which was reserved on Tuesday following months of hearings.
Zahir, his father Zakir Jaffer, mother Asmat Adamjee and other suspects were present in the court when the verdict was announced.
Noor, 27, was found murdered at Jaffar's residence in the capital's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20 last year. A first information report (FIR) was registered the same day against Zahir Jaffer — the primary accused who was arrested from the site of the murder — under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the victim's father, Shaukat Mukadam, who is a retired diplomat.
Ahead of the verdict today, Zahir was brought to the court along with the other co-accused — Zakir Jaffer (Zahir's father), Iftikhar (watchman) and Jan Mohammad (gardener).
The lawyers, plaintiff Shaukat and other co-accused who are out on bail, including Therapy Works employees and Zahir's mother Asmat Adamjee, also arrived at the court.
After the court marked the attendance of Therapy Works employees, the judge ordered for the courtroom to be emptied, saying he needed to speak to the defendants. The quartet of detained accused, including Zahir, were later sent back from the court once the judge was done with them.
Case history
After the FIR was registered in the case and Zahir was arrested, his parents and household staff were also taken into custody by police on July 24 over allegations of "hiding evidence and being complicit in the crime". They were made a part of the investigation based on Noor's father's statement.
In his complaint, Shaukat had stated that he had gone to Rawalpindi on July 19 to buy a goat for Eidul Azha, while his wife had gone out to pick up clothes from her tailor. When he had returned home in the evening, the couple found their daughter Noor absent from their house in Islamabad.
They had found her cellphone number switched off and started a search for her. Sometime later, Noor had called her parents to inform them that she was travelling to Lahore with some friends and would return in a day or two, according to the FIR.
The complainant said he had later received a call from Zahir, whose family were their acquaintances. The suspect had informed Shaukat that Noor was not with him, the FIR said.
At around 10pm on July 20, the victim's father had received a call from Kohsar police station, informing him that Noor had been murdered.
Police had subsequently taken the complainant to Zahir's house in Sector F-7/4 where he discovered that his "daughter has been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded", according to the FIR.
Shaukat, who identified his daughter's body, has sought the maximum punishment under the law against Zahir for allegedly murdering his daughter.
Police later said that Zahir had confessed to killing Noor while his DNA test and fingerprints also showed his involvement in the murder.
Six officials of Therapy Works, whose employees had visited the site of the murder before police, were also nominated in the case and were indicted with six others, including Zahir Jaffer's parents, in October.
Talking to the media after the last hearing, Noor's father, Shaukat Mukadam, had said that he sought "maximum punishment" for the accused and reposed his confidence in Judge Ata Rabbani.
"He has conducted a fair and transparent trial," Shaukat had said of the judge's handling of the case, adding that he was "completely satisfied" with the investigation despite "some ups and downs" as he also commended the police for operating "under pressure".
"It was a difficult time but I had full faith in my daughter. Noor Mukadam was a good girl and she was not involved in anything wrong," Shaukat said.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1676810/court-sentences-zahir-jaffer-to-death-in-noor-mukadam-murder-case
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Good but two items are missing.
1 - Absolutely no right to appeal against the verdict to Supreme Court or to the PM
2 - The penalty must be handed over in a week’s time. No exceptions!
Syed1
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Even the worst criminal has the right to appeal all the way up to SC.... that is just how the law works. Good thing is that the initial judgement is a death penalty, so any court hearing the appeal can at max convert it to life in prison (I sure hope not). No way this monster is getting off scot free.
Goes to show if the law takes its course, even the monster's wealth and influence could not save him. I wish our courts were this swift and just when presiding over cases of other influentials, political or otherwise.
Not sure, about the second para here, as even the victim was from an influential family. If the victim came from poverty this statement would have been just.
Savak
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Shahrukh Jatoi got a death sentence, he is still living a lavish protected life and the death sentence has been lifted. The victim, his father have passed away and most likely the victims family have put the saga behind them.
Won't be surprised to see Zahir Jaffar get off on some legal loophole or the other down the line
Won't be surprised to see Zahir Jaffar get off on some legal loophole or the other down the line
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Judge raises questions over police probe in Noor murder case
ISLAMABAD:
Despite awarding death sentence to main accused Zahir Zakir Jaffer, Additional Sessions Judge Islamabad Muhammad Atta Rabbani has raised serious questions on the police investigation in Noor Muqadam murder case.
"The procedural defect and irregularity might have been done by the Investigation Officer (IO) during investigation to give undue favour to the accused and the police authority at the most may take action in this regard. The police authority must think over it to take positive steps for reforms in the investigation wing of police department," a 61-page judgment said.
Renowned lawyer Salman Safdar, who has expertise in criminal law, lauded the trial court to give speedy and bold judgment in the case. He said evidences were collected more professionally as compared with other cases of same nature. He maintained that acquittal of accused’s parents was a courageous decision when superior courts had already rejected the father’s bail.
The trial court in its judgment noted that many technical objections were raised on part of the defence, adding that technical aspects regarding defective investigation had no value in light of the modern device and scientific evidence. "The police witnesses made some contradictory statements regarding the time of arrival of the police officials and complainant at the place of occurrence.
It is submitted that the oral statement has no value in light of documentary evidence in shape of P-13 and P14. The CCTV footage P-13 and P-14 made clear all the contradiction pointed out by learned defence counsel. The defence side also pointed the loopholes and lacunas in the investigation.
“The court observed that the IO committed mistakes and left loopholes during investigation. The IO got drafted the recovery memos through his colleagues or subordinates without giving reason. The question arises that whether the defective investigation is enough to spoil the case of prosecution/complainant,” the judgment said.
In this regard, the judgment noted that the Supreme Court in judgment cited as 2008 SCMR 1228 held that discrepancy reflected on the working and lethargy of the IO could not cause any harm to the prosecution’s case. “In the said case, the IO did not take into possession the blood stained clothes of the deceased, blood stained cloth, empties from the place of occurrence. Similarly, the Hon’ble High court in judgment cited as 1998 P.Cr.L.J 114 held that procedural defect or irregularity or even illegality in course of investigation shall not demolish the case of – prosecution.”
The court noted that the discrepancies and contradiction as pointed out by defence side were not material and such contradiction and discrepancies were not fatal to case of complainant.
However, the judgment said that the prosecution had produced its sufficient evidence in shape of modern scientific and forensic evidence to establish its case that Noor was killed by accused Zahir Zakir Jaffer inside his room.
"The dead body was recovered from the room of accused Zahir Zakir. Even the accused (the members of Therapy Team) had seen the dead body lying in the said room. The defence side has failed to rebut the evidence of prosecution. “The defence also failed to establish that the dead body was not recovered from the said room of accused Zahir Zakir or the deceased Mst Noor Muqadam was done to death at somewhere else. According to the reports of PFSA Ex P-BM relating to Forensic toxicology, drugs/ poison were not detected in the liver and stomach contents of deceased sent to the laboratory and as per PFSA report Ex P-BL the DNA profile of the accused is also matched and accused Zahir Zakir cannot be excluded being contributor to DNA mixture profile.
“As per statements of PW-4 and PW-7 the sealed parcels were kept in save custody and transmitted to concern authority/laboratory. The medical evidence also supports the prosecution version as the cause of death is lack of blood supply to the brain due to separation from head from the body. The defence evidence as well as point raised by defence side has no weightage in front of the heavy flow of the prosecution evidence,” the judgment
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345294/judge-raises-questions-over-police-probe-in-noor-murder-case-1
ISLAMABAD:
Despite awarding death sentence to main accused Zahir Zakir Jaffer, Additional Sessions Judge Islamabad Muhammad Atta Rabbani has raised serious questions on the police investigation in Noor Muqadam murder case.
"The procedural defect and irregularity might have been done by the Investigation Officer (IO) during investigation to give undue favour to the accused and the police authority at the most may take action in this regard. The police authority must think over it to take positive steps for reforms in the investigation wing of police department," a 61-page judgment said.
Renowned lawyer Salman Safdar, who has expertise in criminal law, lauded the trial court to give speedy and bold judgment in the case. He said evidences were collected more professionally as compared with other cases of same nature. He maintained that acquittal of accused’s parents was a courageous decision when superior courts had already rejected the father’s bail.
The trial court in its judgment noted that many technical objections were raised on part of the defence, adding that technical aspects regarding defective investigation had no value in light of the modern device and scientific evidence. "The police witnesses made some contradictory statements regarding the time of arrival of the police officials and complainant at the place of occurrence.
It is submitted that the oral statement has no value in light of documentary evidence in shape of P-13 and P14. The CCTV footage P-13 and P-14 made clear all the contradiction pointed out by learned defence counsel. The defence side also pointed the loopholes and lacunas in the investigation.
“The court observed that the IO committed mistakes and left loopholes during investigation. The IO got drafted the recovery memos through his colleagues or subordinates without giving reason. The question arises that whether the defective investigation is enough to spoil the case of prosecution/complainant,” the judgment said.
In this regard, the judgment noted that the Supreme Court in judgment cited as 2008 SCMR 1228 held that discrepancy reflected on the working and lethargy of the IO could not cause any harm to the prosecution’s case. “In the said case, the IO did not take into possession the blood stained clothes of the deceased, blood stained cloth, empties from the place of occurrence. Similarly, the Hon’ble High court in judgment cited as 1998 P.Cr.L.J 114 held that procedural defect or irregularity or even illegality in course of investigation shall not demolish the case of – prosecution.”
The court noted that the discrepancies and contradiction as pointed out by defence side were not material and such contradiction and discrepancies were not fatal to case of complainant.
However, the judgment said that the prosecution had produced its sufficient evidence in shape of modern scientific and forensic evidence to establish its case that Noor was killed by accused Zahir Zakir Jaffer inside his room.
"The dead body was recovered from the room of accused Zahir Zakir. Even the accused (the members of Therapy Team) had seen the dead body lying in the said room. The defence side has failed to rebut the evidence of prosecution. “The defence also failed to establish that the dead body was not recovered from the said room of accused Zahir Zakir or the deceased Mst Noor Muqadam was done to death at somewhere else. According to the reports of PFSA Ex P-BM relating to Forensic toxicology, drugs/ poison were not detected in the liver and stomach contents of deceased sent to the laboratory and as per PFSA report Ex P-BL the DNA profile of the accused is also matched and accused Zahir Zakir cannot be excluded being contributor to DNA mixture profile.
“As per statements of PW-4 and PW-7 the sealed parcels were kept in save custody and transmitted to concern authority/laboratory. The medical evidence also supports the prosecution version as the cause of death is lack of blood supply to the brain due to separation from head from the body. The defence evidence as well as point raised by defence side has no weightage in front of the heavy flow of the prosecution evidence,” the judgment
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345294/judge-raises-questions-over-police-probe-in-noor-murder-case-1
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Shaukat Muqqadam, the father of Noor Muqqadam, who was killed in the federal capital last year, has rebuffed rumours that the family was reaching a compromise with the culprit (Zahir Jaffer) at any stage.
“Some people should be careful while talking about any compromise which is out of the question? I have said this over and over again. There is no truth in it. There is no truth in such fabricated stories because it was not a case of only my daughter, in fact, it is a matter of honour of every Pakistani daughter. People who spread fabricated stories should also be careful before passing any comment since they also have their daughters,” Shaukat Muqqadam said while talking to The Express Tribune, along with his wife.
Shaukat Muqqadam said that just as the high court had directed the trial court to expedite the case, now I and the whole nation, request that the high court and the Supreme Court should also adjudicate the case (in case of an appeal from the culprit) at the earliest so that the sentence of the killer could be commuted as soon as possible.
“Most people of Pakistan wanted other accused to be punished as well,” he said.
Noor Muqqadam's mother said while she was praying when someone called her that Zahir Jaffer had been sentenced to death. “I was alone in the house at that time and I was crying and praying for Noor,” she said adding that she felt disappointed when she heard that the other accused had been exonerated.
She said (the culprit) must have been sentenced to death. Thank God, it happened. “I did not show up at the court on the day of judgment because I did not want to see him (Zahir Jafar). I even did not want to see his cruel face on social media and other forums,” she said adding, “Obviously, a person who does this to one’s daughter in such a brutal way, how can he be seen (by a mother)? she can't stand it. We will only be satisfied when he will be hanged.”
She further said that when a call came on July 20, he (Shaukat Muqqadam) was reciting Qur'an. When I heard the sound of his screams, I ran away and said, "What happened? He said my child, my child. I don't know what happened. I thought there was an accident. My son also came. I said, 'Your father is not saying anything.”
She said that the next morning, Shaukat Muqqadam handed over her the FIR, which threw away. “At that moment I found out what had happened. I could not comprehend what was happening in our house,” she said adding: “When the CCTV footage went viral, there was a lot of depression in our house.”
She said that they go to Noor's grave every second day. “My daughter was innocent. She was running away to escape. My elder daughter often says leave me with Noor in the graveyard, I have to talk a lot with Noor,” she said.
“I often tell my son how quiet the house has become without Noor. With the departure of Noor, our house has said goodbye to laughter. People are digging wells in the name of Noor, circumambulation is being done, prayers are being said on Roza Rasool. I don't know which homage or prayer Allah Almighty would have accepted,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2022.
“Some people should be careful while talking about any compromise which is out of the question? I have said this over and over again. There is no truth in it. There is no truth in such fabricated stories because it was not a case of only my daughter, in fact, it is a matter of honour of every Pakistani daughter. People who spread fabricated stories should also be careful before passing any comment since they also have their daughters,” Shaukat Muqqadam said while talking to The Express Tribune, along with his wife.
Shaukat Muqqadam said that just as the high court had directed the trial court to expedite the case, now I and the whole nation, request that the high court and the Supreme Court should also adjudicate the case (in case of an appeal from the culprit) at the earliest so that the sentence of the killer could be commuted as soon as possible.
“Most people of Pakistan wanted other accused to be punished as well,” he said.
Noor Muqqadam's mother said while she was praying when someone called her that Zahir Jaffer had been sentenced to death. “I was alone in the house at that time and I was crying and praying for Noor,” she said adding that she felt disappointed when she heard that the other accused had been exonerated.
She said (the culprit) must have been sentenced to death. Thank God, it happened. “I did not show up at the court on the day of judgment because I did not want to see him (Zahir Jafar). I even did not want to see his cruel face on social media and other forums,” she said adding, “Obviously, a person who does this to one’s daughter in such a brutal way, how can he be seen (by a mother)? she can't stand it. We will only be satisfied when he will be hanged.”
She further said that when a call came on July 20, he (Shaukat Muqqadam) was reciting Qur'an. When I heard the sound of his screams, I ran away and said, "What happened? He said my child, my child. I don't know what happened. I thought there was an accident. My son also came. I said, 'Your father is not saying anything.”
She said that the next morning, Shaukat Muqqadam handed over her the FIR, which threw away. “At that moment I found out what had happened. I could not comprehend what was happening in our house,” she said adding: “When the CCTV footage went viral, there was a lot of depression in our house.”
She said that they go to Noor's grave every second day. “My daughter was innocent. She was running away to escape. My elder daughter often says leave me with Noor in the graveyard, I have to talk a lot with Noor,” she said.
“I often tell my son how quiet the house has become without Noor. With the departure of Noor, our house has said goodbye to laughter. People are digging wells in the name of Noor, circumambulation is being done, prayers are being said on Roza Rasool. I don't know which homage or prayer Allah Almighty would have accepted,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2022.
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Zahir Jaffer's employee appeals prison sentence
ISLAMABAD:
Accused Jan Mohammad, sentenced to 10 years in prison for abetting Zahir Jaffer in the murder of Noor Mukadam, filed an appeal against his sentence on Tuesday.
Jan Mohammad, who served as a gardener in Zahir’s house, filed the petition through counsel Kamran Murtaza, seeking annulment of the trial court’s sentence.
The appeal stated that Jan Mohammad was not accused in the first information report (FIR), rather was accused in the supplementary statement.
It further said that the accused was an employee at the Prime Minister's Secretariat and only worked part-time at Zahir’s house.
It maintained that there was no evidence to prove the charges against him and that the sentence should be quashed.
On February 24, a sessions court in Islamabad sentenced Zahir’s staff Iftikhar and Mohammad Jan each to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for abetting (Section 109), 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for confining a kidnapped person (Section 368), one month of simple imprisonment for omitting information from a public servant (Section 176) and seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for concealing a plan to commit an offence punishable with death or life imprisonment (Section 118).
Primary accused Zahir Jaffer was handed down the death penalty for the murder of Noor Mukadam, however, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani acquitted his parents, Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee, as well as other suspects in the case including Therapy Works employees, from the charge of abetment.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345819/zahir-jaffers-employee-appeals-prison-sentence
ISLAMABAD:
Accused Jan Mohammad, sentenced to 10 years in prison for abetting Zahir Jaffer in the murder of Noor Mukadam, filed an appeal against his sentence on Tuesday.
Jan Mohammad, who served as a gardener in Zahir’s house, filed the petition through counsel Kamran Murtaza, seeking annulment of the trial court’s sentence.
The appeal stated that Jan Mohammad was not accused in the first information report (FIR), rather was accused in the supplementary statement.
It further said that the accused was an employee at the Prime Minister's Secretariat and only worked part-time at Zahir’s house.
It maintained that there was no evidence to prove the charges against him and that the sentence should be quashed.
On February 24, a sessions court in Islamabad sentenced Zahir’s staff Iftikhar and Mohammad Jan each to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for abetting (Section 109), 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for confining a kidnapped person (Section 368), one month of simple imprisonment for omitting information from a public servant (Section 176) and seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000 for concealing a plan to commit an offence punishable with death or life imprisonment (Section 118).
Primary accused Zahir Jaffer was handed down the death penalty for the murder of Noor Mukadam, however, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani acquitted his parents, Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee, as well as other suspects in the case including Therapy Works employees, from the charge of abetment.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345819/zahir-jaffers-employee-appeals-prison-sentence
There is a high chance that this will happen. He can still challenge this sentence in the lahore high court
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