Justice has prevailed: Celebrities react to Zahir Jaffer being awarded death penalty

Osman Khalid Butt, Mahira Khan weigh in on court’s verdict in Noor Mukadam murder case

After the court handed out a death sentence to Zahir Jaffer, the prime accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, several celebrities have taken to Twitter to comment on the court’s decision. 

After the verdict was announced, Ushna Shah took to Twitter to question the acquittal of Zahir’s parents, who were closely involved in the case. She wrote, “Will celebrate justice once he hangs, which could take years. Side note: If I held someone hostage and killed them, and my middle-class mother was aware of this the entire time and aided me, she’d hang too (or at least spend her life in prison). Just saying.”

Will celebrate justice once he hangs, which could take years. Side note: If I held someone hostage & killed them, & my middle-class mother was aware of this the entire time & aided me… she’d hang too (or at least spend her life in prison). Just saying.

— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) February 24, 2022

Osman Khalid Butt also weighed in with cautious optimism, tweeting, I know there will be an appeal; I know his parents are acquitted; I know we're far from true justice prevailing. But, after months of his charade, complete lack of remorse or guilt, there's this: Zahir Jaffer has been sentenced to death.”

Zahir Jaffer has been sentenced to death.
I know there will be an appeal; I know his parents are acquitted; I know we're far from true justice prevailing.
But after months of his charade, complete lack of remorse or guilt, there's this:
Zahir Jaffer has been sentenced to death.

— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) February 24, 2022

Veteran actor Samina Peerzada echoed the sentiment, writing, “Justice has been served for now but a long way to go. I’m hopeful that our judiciary, our police and our people will make Pakistan safe for our girls.” 

Justice has been served for now but a long way to go. I’m hopeful that our Judiciary our Police and our people will make Pakistan safe for our Girls

— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) February 24, 2022

Actor Mahira Khan expressed relief at the verdict, writing, “Justice for Noor, in this world, has been served. Alhumdulillah.” In a similar vein, Mawra Hocane wrote, “Ya Allah tera shukar [Thank you, God]. Justice prevailed!” 

Justice for Noor, in this world, has been served. Alhumdulillah. #NoorMuqaddam

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) February 24, 2022

Ya Allah Tera Shukar 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #justicefornoor Justice Prevailed!!!!! ⚖️ ALHUMDULILLAH !!!!!

— MAWRA HOCANE (Hussain) (@MawraHocane) February 24, 2022

“Justice has prevailed,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui, adding, “Death for the monster’s diabolical act deservedly so. My heart goes out to Noor’s family. Hope this brings an iota of peace to them.”

Shukar Allah! Justice has prevailed! Death for the monster’s diabolical act deservedly so. My heart goes out to Noor’s family..hope this brings an iota of peace to them #NoorMukadam

— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) February 24, 2022

The court sentenced two co-accused, Iftikhar (watchman) and Jameel (cook), who helped Zahir murder Noor, to 10 years in jail. Shaukat Mukadam, the father of the slain woman, said the trial court’s ruling was a victory for justice.

He said the entire nation was praying for justice in the case and thanked the media for keeping the case alive. Mukadam, a retired diplomat, said Zahir was given an “exemplary punishment” by the judge.

On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam was brutally beheaded and murdered in Islamabad, sparking outrage across the country.