Justice Ali Baqar Najafi’s Note in Noor Mukadam Case Sparks Widespread Debate on Social Media

A note written by Supreme Court Justice Ali Baqar Najafi in the Noor Mukadam murder case has become the center of heated debate on social media. The note was issued after the court dismissed the appeal of convict Zahir Jaffer against his death sentence.

In his observations, Justice Najafi termed a man and woman living together without marriage — or in a “living relationship” — a serious threat to Pakistani society. He wrote that such arrangements not only contribute to social deterioration but also contradict Islamic teachings, citing the Noor Mukadam case as a “horrific example.”

His remarks triggered strong reactions across social media platforms.

PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi criticised the note, stating that linking a woman’s murder to a “living relationship” was neither law nor justice, and amounted to victim-blaming.

Former PTI MNA Barrister Maleeka Bokhari said she was “deeply shocked” by the observations, arguing that judges in higher courts should avoid moral commentary.

Political activist Reham Khan wrote that Justice Najafi seemed to forget that legally wedded husbands also brutally murder their wives.

Sara Taseer, daughter of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer, pointed out that the correct English term is “live-in relationship,” not “living relationship.”

Islamabad SP Amna Baig also responded, clarifying that Noor Mukadam was not in a live-in relationship. She stated that Noor had been held hostage by Zahir Jaffer for two days before he murdered her.

It is worth noting that Noor Mukadam’s body was recovered on July 20, 2021, from Islamabad, and police arrested the prime suspect, Zahir Jaffer, from the crime scene the same day.