Zahir Jaffer Asks Court to Review Death Sentence

Zahir Jaffer, convicted for the brutal murder of Noor Mukadam in 2021, has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the May 20 verdict that upheld his death sentence.

The petition claims that the trial relied heavily on video evidence, which was not properly verified. It also argues that no medical board was formed to evaluate Jaffer’s mental health during the trial, and the question of his mental condition was never addressed in court. Jaffer’s legal team says he was treated unfairly throughout the proceedings.

Earlier, a three-member Supreme Court bench had upheld the death sentence and fines against Jaffer. However, the court had reduced the sentences of his household staff — the watchman and gardener — stating that the time they had already served was sufficient punishment.

Noor Mukadam, the daughter of a former ambassador, was tortured and beheaded in Jaffer’s home. The case drew massive public attention and became a national symbol for justice in violence against women.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent warning due to ongoing monsoon rains across the country.

Heavy rainfall is expected until July 25, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The NDMA has warned of rising water levels in key rivers including the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Kabul. Moderate flooding is expected at Marala, Khanki, and Qadirabad on the Chenab River, while higher water flow is predicted in Mangla (Jhelum River) and Nowshera (Kabul River).

In KP, flood risks are high in the Swat and Panjkora rivers. In GB, areas around Hunza, Shigar, Khunjerab, Shimshal, and Saltoro may experience flash floods.

Balochistan districts like Musakhel, Sherani, Zhob, and Sibi are also at risk due to expected heavy rainfall.

The NDMA urges residents and travelers in affected areas to stay alert, follow local advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel, especially to mountainous and flood-prone regions.