Post by : Rameen Ariff

Islamabad, Pakistan – A senior Pakistani judge has stated that the murder of Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former diplomat, is linked to a growing trend of “live-in relationships” in society. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) said such relationships often ignore societal norms and can lead to serious consequences.

Noor Mukadam, 27, was tragically found murdered at the Islamabad residence of Zahir Zakir Jaffer on July 20, 2021. The case shocked the nation and drew widespread attention. Jaffer, along with two household staff members, was arrested shortly after the crime.

In 2022, an Islamabad trial court sentenced Jaffer to death for the murder and handed him an additional 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape. His co-accused, Mohammad Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Supreme Court later upheld Jaffer’s death sentence.

Justice Najafi, now serving as an FCC judge after the creation of the court under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, commented during the review of Jaffer’s case that the murder reflects the dangers of ignoring societal and legal obligations. He noted that “living relationships” go against both civil law and personal law under Sharia, and stressed that such practices have contributed to the crime.

Noor’s murder occurred in Islamabad’s upscale Sector F-7/4, and the case has remained a significant example in discussions around social values, legal enforcement, and personal conduct in Pakistan.

The judge’s remarks have sparked debate in the country, with discussions focusing on the legal, moral, and social implications of live-in relationships, especially in conservative societies.

#Global News