Despite his initial confession, the counsel for prime accused Zahir Jaffer has submitted a non-guilty plea to the court, which has added another ‘twist’ in the ongoing Noor Mukadam murder case — much to the dismay of those seeking justice for the slain woman.
On Wednesday, Jaffer's lawyer submitted their client's replies to the court's questionnaire in which Zahir professed his innocence, stating that him and his parents were being falsely accused by 'state machinery and media,' and dubiously claimed that Noor had been murdered during a house party she had hosted at his house. Previously, Zahir had admitted to the crime in a statement outside the courthouse.
Zahir also alleged that Noor had brought drugs to his house. It is not the first time the defence has resorted to character assassination of the victim. On January 17th, Zahir's lawyer insinuated that Noor had acted immorally and improperly by going to Zahir's house at all. The line of questioning was strongly condemned by many who viewed the commentary as a form of victim blaming.
“Keeping that in mind that you have been an ambassador to this country, tell me is it acceptable for a guy and a girl to have such a relation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?” the lawyer asked Noor's father, who previously served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
Zahir's unexpected plea on Wednesday stunned observers, with responses ranging from measured incredulity to outright rage.
Journalist Mehreen Zahra Malik pointed out that there was no evidence to support Zahir's claim, and in fact, the evidence directly contradicts his claims.
https://twitter.com/mehreenzahra/status/1491491678997430279
Maheen Ghani wrote, "There’s no limit to the amount a sociopath can lie. So the toxicology report, the CCTV footage, the witnesses & his own confession as well as his parents we are suddenly supposed to disregard?"
https://twitter.com/maheenghani_/status/1491501108228939778
"Zahir is doing everything he can to malign noor and turn public sentiment against her. his audacity is that of a man who has never known responsibility," wrote another woman on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/palakpakora/status/1491463796472307713
Echoing many sentiments online, writer Sadaf Haider wrote: "I'm trying really really hard not to become an outragiya but This vicious evil devil cold blooded assumption that he can malign a dead woman’s character & use honour culture to get away with cold blooded murder is Beyond my patience."
https://twitter.com/tomtomatoe/status/1491555896551432192
Another woman commented on the reverberating impact of an acquittal for Zahir Jaffer, stating "If Noor Mukadam [doesn't] get justice, then it would be a loss of not of not only justice system but of all victims who were hoping that Noor's justice would open doors for them!"
https://twitter.com/madhu4548/status/1491061503939969025
Last week, the court asked for an extension in the trial. The case is now in the final stage of closing arguments, which will commence on Monday, 14 February.
On Wednesday, Jaffer's lawyer submitted their client's replies to the court's questionnaire in which Zahir professed his innocence, stating that him and his parents were being falsely accused by 'state machinery and media,' and dubiously claimed that Noor had been murdered during a house party she had hosted at his house. Previously, Zahir had admitted to the crime in a statement outside the courthouse.
Zahir also alleged that Noor had brought drugs to his house. It is not the first time the defence has resorted to character assassination of the victim. On January 17th, Zahir's lawyer insinuated that Noor had acted immorally and improperly by going to Zahir's house at all. The line of questioning was strongly condemned by many who viewed the commentary as a form of victim blaming.
“Keeping that in mind that you have been an ambassador to this country, tell me is it acceptable for a guy and a girl to have such a relation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?” the lawyer asked Noor's father, who previously served as Pakistan's ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.
Zahir's unexpected plea on Wednesday stunned observers, with responses ranging from measured incredulity to outright rage.
Journalist Mehreen Zahra Malik pointed out that there was no evidence to support Zahir's claim, and in fact, the evidence directly contradicts his claims.
https://twitter.com/mehreenzahra/status/1491491678997430279
Maheen Ghani wrote, "There’s no limit to the amount a sociopath can lie. So the toxicology report, the CCTV footage, the witnesses & his own confession as well as his parents we are suddenly supposed to disregard?"
https://twitter.com/maheenghani_/status/1491501108228939778
"Zahir is doing everything he can to malign noor and turn public sentiment against her. his audacity is that of a man who has never known responsibility," wrote another woman on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/palakpakora/status/1491463796472307713
Echoing many sentiments online, writer Sadaf Haider wrote: "I'm trying really really hard not to become an outragiya but This vicious evil devil cold blooded assumption that he can malign a dead woman’s character & use honour culture to get away with cold blooded murder is Beyond my patience."
https://twitter.com/tomtomatoe/status/1491555896551432192
Another woman commented on the reverberating impact of an acquittal for Zahir Jaffer, stating "If Noor Mukadam [doesn't] get justice, then it would be a loss of not of not only justice system but of all victims who were hoping that Noor's justice would open doors for them!"
https://twitter.com/madhu4548/status/1491061503939969025
Last week, the court asked for an extension in the trial. The case is now in the final stage of closing arguments, which will commence on Monday, 14 February.