Stop sharing unverified details about Noor’s murder: Osman Khalid Butt

The grotesque murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukaddam in Islamabad's F-7/4 sector left several Pakistanis grieving on Eidul Azha, with the hashtag #JusticeForNoor trending on Twitter for two consecutive days.

Many are still expressing their rage and asking others to focus on the culprit rather than the deceased victim. Consequently, this hyper-activism is also leading some to spread misinformation regarding the prime suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer and his relationship with Noor.

While many of the details about Zahir and his family have not been verified by the, netizens are busy drawing their own conclusions about the unfortunate incident. Thus, actor Osman Khalid Butt has now urged people to stop sharing unverified information about the murder.

"I cannot believe this bears saying but please stop sharing unverified, unsubstantiated details about the murder: the causes, the aftermath. Especially if they're by anonymous sources," he tweeted on Friday. Butt also asserted that the spread of such misinformation will not help Noor and her family get justice, "just sating your morbid curiosity."

On the same day, renowned leather brand Jafferjees had disassociated itself from the case after several on social media alleged that it was owned by the suspect and his family. Many believed the claim since a media outlet had also reported that Zahir was heading his family’s ‘multiple businesses,’ including Jafferjees.

"Jafferjees (Private) Limited would like to state unequivocally that the incident in Islamabad has no business or personal relationship with the Jafferjees brand in any way," a public notice shared by the brand on Facebook and Instagram read. "We have noticed several irresponsible posts from media outlets and journalists that have tied these people to our company that has been run by the Quettawala family since its inception. We wish to reassure our patrons with the truth and hope that these publications and individuals fact-check their reporting. We offer our deepest condolences to the families,” it concluded.

The interior ministry has now been asked to place Zahir’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL). The ministry will do so after approval by the federal cabinet. The summary to the ministry has been sent by Islamabad Chief Commissioner Amir Ali Ahmad on the recommendation of the federal police. An investigation team will contact the US and the UK, where the suspect had resided, through the foreign ministry, to find out if he had a criminal record.

IG Islamabad Qazi Jameelur Rehman on Friday held a meeting with the investigation team of the case at the central police office. Briefing the Islamabad police chief on the case, the SSP investigation – the head of the team - said the statements of the victim's parents, the suspect’s father and two security guards had been recorded. The forensic team had also gathered all the evidence on the scene while further investigation was under way to bring the case to its logical conclusion.

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