The Mukadam family has filed an appeal asking the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to reverse the acquittal of nine accused in their daughter’s murder case, including Zahir Jaffer’s parents — citing digital evidence which they say was not properly factored into the case.
The appeal was filed in the IHC on behalf of Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, by his lawyer, Shah Khawar. The appeal challenges the acquittal of the main accused’s parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee, domestic helper Jamil, and six Therapy Works employees, including its CEO Tahir Zahoor.
“Digital evidence is available against the accused. The acquittal of the trial court was against the law,” the appeal stated, as quoted in the Tribune. “The accused should be punished in accordance with the law.”
On February 24th, Zahir Jaffer was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering Noor Mukadam. Two domestic workers – Muhammad Iftikhar, a watchman, and Jan Muhammad, a gardener – were sentenced to 10 years for abetting the crime.
Zahir’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, had been indicted for allegedly attempting to conceal the brutal crime and destroy evidence. To much public indignation, they were acquitted of all charges by Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani.
The Jaffer family gardener has already sought an annulment of the trial court’s sentence, claiming that there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges against him. Meanwhile, the Mukadam has filed another appeal to increase the sentences of the two domestic workers on the grounds that they should not have been given a reduced sentenced.
In response to the court’s verdict, Noor Mukadam’s parents expressed the hope that Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence would be carried out as soon as possible.
