4 months after Noor Mukkadam’s gruesome murder by Zahir Jaffer, the main accused’s lawyer has filed a petition in court claiming his client is “mentally ill.” The petition requested to establish a medical board in order to evaluate the accused’s mental state.
According to the prime accused’s lawyer, Sikander Zulqarnain Saleem, his client is suffering from a “schizoaffective disorder” due to an overuse of drugs. During the hearing, Zahir Jaffer’s lawyer in front of Judge Atta Rabani claimed that his client had this mental disorder when he was arrested on 20th July this year. He went on to claim that the victim’s father who is a former Ambassador, influenced the police to not disclose Zahir Jaffer’s mental condition.
According to the petition, “Zahir is suffering from severe mental ailment which is necessary to be determined through an authorised medical board according to the commands of legislature and local and international law.”
At the time Zahir Jaffer was arrested, police claimed he was “mentally sound and completely in his senses.” However, his lawyer begs to differ. According to him, the accused’s misdemeanor in court and the fact that he has previously been kicked out of court at least twice is a testament to his unstable mental state.
After hearing both sides’ arguments, the judge adjourned the hearing until 8th December.
How People Are Reacting
People are furious ever since the news broke out. Many believe being “mentally unstable” doesn’t wash away his sins nor justifies what Zahir Jaffer did. In fact, people have found all the more reason for him to be punished and kept away from society if he actually is mentally unstable.
How was he giving therapy sessions to young, impressionable children if he himself is mentally ill? A question that is dominating everyone’s mind right now.
“#ZahirJaffer pleads being mentally ill, his lawyer has submitted an application. -Zahir was the Chief Brand Strategist for the family business. -He was a therapist who gave therapy sessions. He gave counselling to children. Does that sound like someone who is mentally ill?”
“Zahir Jaffer. Remember the name. Our judiciary took so much time to sentence him for a proved crime, that he has systematically set the grounds to plead insanity. Insaaf ka jald nafis hona isi lia zarori tha.”
“Our criminals are so clever that they watch an old movie and get an idea how to save a brutal killer. On the other hand judges are so dumb that despite having all knowledge and so called wisdom they believe those advocates and criminals.”
“Justice delayed, Justice denied. #ZahirJaffer“
“Therapy works bail be revoked that how could they make a person counsellor if he had mental health issues that means they were partner in crime & jeopardized people that were counseled (if at all) by murderer.”
“How a sane man can be pronounced Mentally ill? He used to conduct therapy sessions for mentally ill people in a professional manner.”
“Pathetic is all I can say!!!”
“#ZahirJaffer was sane when arrested. Was sane when he asked for death rather than life imprisonment. Was clearly sane when he murdered #noormukadam or else other around him would had stopped him. Ran a therapy session. He should be given the punishment he deserves.”
Case Background
*Trigger Warning*
Noor Mukkadam, a 27-year-old woman was brutally raped, murdered, and beheaded by Zahir Jaffer at his residence in F-7, Islamabad on July 20th. The gruesome incident sent shockwaves throughout the country. Soon after, an FIR was submitted by the victim’s father and Zahir was arrested on the day of the murder. Many came out in Noor’s support and demanded the strictest punishment for the accused.
Later, Zahir Jaffer’s parents and servants were also arrested for covering up the crime and hiding evidence. Additionally, the CEO of Therapy Works and employees were also arrested for tempering/destroying evidence.
Zahir Jaffer has confessed to the crime not once but several times. His DNA and fingerprints were found at the crime scene confirming his involvement in the crime. People cannot fathom how Noor and her family still haven’t received justice. It shouldn’t take 4 months to punish someone who has confessed and confirmed his involvement in a murder time and again. We hope justice is served soon. It’s either now or never.
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Sources used in this article include The Express Tribune & Dawn.
