Noor Mukadam’s father urges new CJP to expedite case

ISLAMABAD: The father of Noor Mukadam, whose murder in 2021 shocked the country and stirred deep fear and pain within society, appealed through a presser on Wednesday to the newly appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, to expedite Noor’s case on an urgent basis.

Speaking to the media at the National Press Club, Shaukat Ali Mukadam hoped that the recent creation of a separate constitutional bench would ease the burden on the Supreme Court, allowing Noor Mukadam’s case to be prioritised. He emphasised that this case is not only about his daughter but impacts the lives of millions of girls in Pakistan. He called on the judicial system to demonstrate its commitment to justice by ensuring the protection of women’s rights and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.

The press conference coincided with Noor Mukadam’s birthday, a sombre occasion for her family and supporters. During the event, Shaukat Mukadam stressed that his fight goes beyond seeking justice for his daughter. “I am fighting this case for all the girls in Pakistan,” he said, revealing that he had rejected several offers for reconciliation.

“I refused these offers because I do not want this to happen to any other girl,” he explained, urging for a resolution that would serve as a deterrent to such heinous crimes.

Noor’s mother was also present and appeared visibly emotional throughout the press conference. Human rights activists and supporters, including human rights defender Tahira Abdullah, Samina Salam from the PPP Human Rights Cell, and filmmaker Halima Tariq, also addressed the gathering.

Tahira Abdullah underscored the urgency of a verdict, describing Noor’s case as “an open and shut case” and questioning why the appeal remains pending with the Supreme Court. She said that while they were satisfied with the progress in the district and high courts, the delay at the Supreme Court level has prolonged the family’s grief and given rise to rumours, including speculation that the perpetrator had fled the country. “I confirm today that the perpetrator is in jail and will remain there until the Supreme Court delivers its decision,” she clarified.

Abdullah also expressed concern over the alarming rise in similar femicide cases reported across the country.

“Birthdays are typically a time of celebration, but every year, we gather in sorrow. We hope that by next year, the Supreme Court will have delivered its decision, allowing us to finally find closure and celebrate Noor Mukadam’s birthday,” she said.

Filmmaker Halima Tariq called attention to the broader issue of gender-based violence in Pakistan.

“Since Noor’s case, many other cases have emerged, yet none of the offenders have been punished, and not one case has been fully resolved,” she said. She also referred to Pakistan’s low ranking in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report—145th out of 146 countries—highlighting the country’s failures in protecting women and ensuring legal accountability. “If those who commit crimes are not held accountable, how can we ensure the safety of women in Pakistan?” she asked.