Global Politics Explainer

CWA # 1717
Global Politics Explainer
Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?

J Yamini
17 June 2025

Photo Source: Dawn

On 20 May, the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed Zahir Jaffer's appeal against the death sentence awarded to him in the Noor Mukadam murder case. Noor, daughter of former Pakistani diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was murdered in July 2021. She was tortured with a knuckle buster before she was decapitated. Zahir Jaffer, the heir of the Jaffer family, which is an established trading company in Pakistan, was the accused.
The murder case attracted a wider attention highlighting the gender-based violence in Pakistan. As of 2024, Pakistan has reported 32,617 gender-based violence cases which include abduction, rape, and domestic violence. Though the severity of the crime differs, tolerance to such acts would increase crimes. 

The report highlighted that there are low conviction rates of domestic violence, which is because the victims are not aware of the justice they deserve. They would be hesitant to reach out to the media considering their family. In Noor’s murder case, her father was a Pakistani diplomat who could ensure the investigation and the legal process took its course, but reached an end. This would not be the same for the underdeveloped section of society. The vulnerable section is forced to accept the situation as legal processes are not affordable for them.

Second, the role of the media in Noor’s case. The news channels and social media platforms contributed to the case to have a fair decision. Though the final verdict on the case took five years, the intensity of people’s demands was consistent.  “Justice for Noor,” an ‘X’ account run by her close friends, helped to gather people for a demonstration. There was various misinformation spread about the case on social media, these were responsibly identified and blocked. Social media made activists from around the world reach out. The developments of the case were updated for civil societies to demand the rightful next action. Social media reveals all the information from the source without manipulation. The continuous debate among media houses on the fair investigation after the Therapy Works CEO exposed the negligence of Kohsar police, the media houses became active in revealing developments in the case.

Third, conservative bias that the case had to face, and the stigma in similar cases. A section within the legal community did comment on the nature of the victim’s relationship with the accused as “against values.” Women’s rights activists condemned such an attitude. Malevolent attitudes against women are also evident in marital life. Assessment about the values of women in a public forum makes it difficult for them to seek rights, which makes them an easy target. The question of justice is not easy for rape victims, they are usually silenced by society or the immediate family as it would be the woman’s upbringing and family values that are ultimately questioned. In fear of such accusations, women in society are silenced.

References:
•    Aamir Saeed “In twist in Noor Mukadam murder case, prime suspect murder case, prime suspect Zahir Jaffer pleads not guilty” Arab News, 26 May 2025
•    “Pakistan: Zahir Jaffar conviction significant, but death penalty won't end violence against women”, Amnesty International, 24 February 2025
•    “Gender-based violence” United Nations Population Fund
•    “Justice for Noor”, Dawn, 26 May 2025
•    “Not the answer”, Dawn, October 14 2025
•    “Victory for women': Lawyers hail SC verdict on Zahir Jaffer's appeal”, Dawn, 20 May 2025
•    'Justice Served': Social media breathes collective sigh of relief over SC upholding Zahir Jaffer's death sentence. Images, 20 May 2025

About the Author
J Yamini was a research intern at NIAS.

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