ISLAMABAD: The Jaffer family has issued a statement in a private newspaper condemning the actions of the primary suspect and their son, Zahir Zakir Jaffer, who is accused of murdering a 27-year-old Noor Mukadam in Islamabad.
“The Jaffer family extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Noor Mukadam. We pray her soul rests in eternal peace. We know that no amount of time will bring back the joy you have lost nor ease your pain,” the statement said.
It further added, “Our shock and grief at this horrific act has led to a prolonged silence that we very much regret. However, we categorically condemn this atrocity and forever denounce Zahir and his actions.”
#ZahirJaffar parents are managing all this from jail! How influencer are they! Isn’t? pic.twitter.com/2H0Iixipav
— Adil Hussain (@adiljournalist) July 29, 2021
The statement came a week after the gruesome murder of Noor Mukadam in Islamabad — an incident that has sparked national outcry over violence against women in Pakistan.
Noor, 27, daughter of former ambassador Shaukat Mukadam, was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad on July 20. A first information report (FIR) was registered later the same day against Zahir under Section 302 (premeditated murder) on the complaint of the victim’s father.
Since then, it has emerged that Zahir tortured Noor with a knuckleduster before beheading her. On Monday, Zahir also confessed to committing the crime.
On July 25, police added four more sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, mainly related to abetment and concealing evidence, in the FIR and arrested Zahir’s parents as well as the family guards.
Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad had also denied legal support to Zahir Jaffer, who had flaunted his U.S. citizenship after being arrested. “In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country’s laws. When Americans are arrested abroad, the Embassy can check on their well-being and provide a list of lawyers, but cannot provide legal advice, participate in court proceedings or effect their release,” read the official notice.
