By Huma Rashid
After the court handed out a death sentence to Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, several celebrities have taken to Twitter to comment on the court’s decision.
After the verdict was announced, Ushna Shah took to Twitter to question the acquittal of Zahir’s parents, who were closely involved in the case. She wrote, “Will celebrate justice once he hangs, which could take years. Side note: If I held someone hostage and killed them, and my middle-class mother was aware of this the entire time and aided me, she’d hang too (or at least spend her life in prison). Just saying.”
Osman Khalid Butt also weighed in with cautious optimism, tweeting, I know there will be an appeal; I know his parents are acquitted; I know we’re far from true justice prevailing. But, after months of his charade, complete lack of remorse or guilt, there’s this: Zahir Jaffer has been sentenced to death.”
Veteran actor Samina Peerzada echoed the sentiment, writing, “Justice has been served for now but a long way to go. I’m hopeful that our judiciary, our police and our people will make Pakistan safe for our girls.”
Actor Mahira Khan expressed relief at the verdict, writing, “Justice for Noor, in this world, has been served. Alhumdulillah.” In a similar vein, Mawra Hocane wrote, “Ya Allah tera shukar [Thank you, God]. Justice prevailed!”
“Justice has prevailed,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui, adding, “Death for the monster’s diabolical act deservedly so. My heart goes out to Noor’s family. Hope this brings an iota of peace to them.”
The court sentenced two co-accused, Iftikhar (watchman) and Jameel (cook), who helped Zahir murder Noor, to 10 years in jail. Shaukat Mukadam, the father of the slain woman, said the trial court’s ruling was a victory for justice.
He said the entire nation was praying for justice in the case and thanked the media for keeping the case alive. Mukadam, a retired diplomat, said Zahir was given an “exemplary punishment” by the judge.
On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam was brutally beheaded and murdered in Islamabad, sparking outrage across the country.
