On July 22, 2021, a horrific incident took place in Islamabad. The daughter of the former Pakistan’s Ambassador to Korea, Shaukat Mukadam, was brutally tortured and beheaded by the murderer, Zahir Zakir Jaffer. This incident gained more attention than usual. As femicide has become an everyday event in Pakistan, it is usually glanced at and then brushed off. However, now that the victim is of high status, the whole country has its eyes on this case.
It has now been reported that Jaffer’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee, and two household staff have been arrested, along with Zahir Jaffer, for being complicit in the crime and hiding the evidence. On the one hand, women are victims of honour killings for bringing disgrace to their families, and on the other, men are protected by their parents for decapitating women. However, the accused has now confessed to the murder of Noor Mukadam.
Apart from the national coverage, this case has gained international coverage as hundreds gathered and marched in Dublin in support of Noor. It’s not just a mere case but an eye-opener for many people. Many people have come out to support Noor and demand justice. It is a test for the judiciary as well as the claimed ‘Riyasat e Madina’. As now the whole nation awaits the final judgment to be passed and the murderer to be brought to justice.
One thing which is to be noted is that the harassment and abuse cases are often viewed as they are common in the lower strata of the society. And the uneducated ones are often involved in it for example, in the motorway incident it was believed that the accused were ignorant. However, the case of Noor Mukdam has changed the perceived narrative. In this case a high profile, educated businessman is involved. Therefore, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, all have been involved in such heinous crimes.
In recent days many domestic violence cases are being reported. With each passing day, new hashtags are appearing. Justice for Naseem bibi, Saima, Andaleeb and Quratulain are some of them. Just like Noor, they have been subjected to extreme torture and violence. The women of this nation are not willing to wait any longer for justice to be served. The law should prioritize women’s safety and subject such people to the law as soon as possible.
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