ISLAMABAD: The trial court is scheduled to indict Zahir Jaffer, his parents and others accused in Noor Mukadam’s murder case on Oct 6. Furthermore, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved the decision on the bail applications of Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee in the said case.

Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Ata Rabbani resumed proceeding of the case.

He distributed copies of the investigation report among the 12 accused including principle accused Zahir Jaffer, his parents Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, domestic staff Iftikhar, Jan Mohammad and Jameel and six TherapyWorks employees including Tahir Zahoor, Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Abdul Haq, Wamiq and Samar Abbas.

The court put off further proceeding till Oct 6.

Meanwhile, IHC Justice Aamer Farooq reserved verdict on the bail petitions of Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee.

Justice Farooq remarked that Noor Mukadam’s case will determine the jurisprudence of courts in the criminal justice system as the case was highlighted and published worldwide.

Advocate Shah Khawar, representing Noor’s father Shaukat Mukadam, pointed out to the court that an ordinance issued on Dec 18, 2020 for declaring the sessions court as a special court to try rape offenders in Islamabad is still in the field.

When the judge asked him whether he would like to delay the trial further by remanding it to the special court, Mr Khawar said his intention is not to delay the trial, but he highlighted the point in order to avert any legal issues in the future.

The counsel contended that the parents of Zahir Jaffer were in contact with their son when he was committing the crime as repeated calls were made between Zahir Jaffer and his parents on the day of Noor’s murder.

The public prosecutor supported the contention of Mr Khawar. He said that the challan against the accused has been submitted before the trial court and charges will be framed soon.

Khawaja Haris, the petitioners’ lawyer, said though they were in contact with the prime accused and they still did not have a motive for murder.

He said there is a difference between the statements of the accused. However, Justice Farooq noted that people can lie but not machines. “Let all be decided through evidence before the trial court,” he added.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2021