A Pakistani-American man has gone on trial accused of raping and beheading his Pakistani girlfriend, who was the daughter of a former diplomat.
Zahir Jaffer, 30, who was born to a distinguished household of rich Pakistani industrialists, is accused of torturing and killing Noor Mukadam, 27, on July 20.
Mukadam was discovered useless in a blood-spattered room of Jaffer’s residence within the posh F-7/4 neighbourhood of Islamabad that night, and he was arrested on the scene.
Police say Jaffer was sporting blood-covered garments and carrying a knife which they imagine was used to kill and behead her. He denies guilt.
Pakistani legislation permits the loss of life penalty as a punishment in homicide instances, although prosecutors haven’t mentioned whether or not they are going to name for it. Mukadam’s mother and father have mentioned they need a loss of life sentence to be imposed.
Zahir Jaffer, 30, the son of a rich Pakistani industrialist, has appeared in courtroom charged with the rape, torture and homicide of Noor Mukadam
Noor Mukadam, 27, the daughter of a Pakistani ambassador, was discovered useless in a blood-spattered room of Jaffer’s Islamabad residence on July 20
Officers later seized knuckledusters which they alleged have been used to torture Mukadam earlier than she was killed, and a pistol.
Police initially mentioned the gun was used within the homicide, however prosecutors later backtracked on that declare.
Legal professionals declare that Jaffer murdered Mukadam after she refused his marriage proposal and tried repeatedly to flee his sprawling mansion.
Police imagine Jaffer could have saved Mukadam hostage for as much as two days earlier than killing her, Pakistan’s Tribune newspaper reported.
Jaffer has joint American-Pakistani citizenship, although it’s unclear what his connection to the US is. He additionally frolicked within the UK, the place it’s thought he’s wished on suspicion of assault.
Jaffer was dropped at courtroom in 2015 accused of assault and granted bail, based on data seen by the Nation newspaper, and was granted bail.
However he fled the nation and returned to Pakistan. He has not returned to the UK since and remains to be wished within the nation, Nation alleges.
Additionally charged is Jaffer’s father, Zakir, who’s accused of attempting to assist his son cowl up the homicide by sending staff to assist eliminate the physique.
Police say Noor was crushed with knuckledusters, raped after which butchered with a knife at Jaffer’s residence (pictured). He denies this
Islamabad cops are pictured inspecting the scene of the alleged killing in July
Jaffer’s mom, Asmat, and members of their family workers are additionally charged within the case – accused of failing to tell police after being requested to assist conceal proof.
‘Mukadam’s life might have been saved had the accomplices acted in any other case,’ a police report offered at an earlier listening to mentioned.
Jaffer was pictured being led into courtroom Wednesday for the primary day of the trial.
In contrast to at earlier courtroom appearances the place he was unkempt with lengthy hair, Jaffer appeared well-groomed and wore a sensible jumper and shirt – together with handcuffs.
It comes following controversy about supposed ‘preferential remedy’ Jaffer has acquired behind bars, together with home-cooked meals and frequent visits.
The homicide drew attracted nationwide consideration to Pakistan’s report on violence and intercourse assaults towards girls, together with requires reform.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has mentioned he’s watching the case carefully and expects no leniency to be proven to Mukadam’s killer.
In accordance with a authorities survey performed between 2017-18, 28 per cent of ladies aged 15-49 have skilled bodily violence in Pakistan.
Nevertheless, specialists imagine the true determine is much larger as a result of the stigma of being abused leads many crimes to go unreported.
The homicide of Mukadam, whose father served as Pakistan’s ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan, is among the most high-profile instances of violence towards girls for the reason that authorities launched new laws designed to hurry up justice for rape victims.
It’s typical for courtroom instances to tug on for years in Pakistan, however prosecutor Khawar mentioned he anticipated the trial to be concluded inside eight weeks.
The case sparked protests throughout Pakistan with requires reform of the justice system, in addition to the loss of life penalty for Jaffer
Violence towards girls and sexual assaults are regarded as frequent in Pakistan, although little dependable information exists as a result of most specialists imagine crimes go unreported