Pakistan Women & Justice: Noor Mukadam Case & Systemic Failures
The noor Mukadam case verdict offers a step forward, yet Pakistan’s justice system still fails women, as detailed in a new report. while the Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for Noor’s killer, the shocking reality of gender-based violence persists across Pakistan. This tragedy highlights systemic failures, weak investigations, biased societal attitudes, and the exploitation of “blood money” laws.Rights activists and legal experts dissect the need for reforms to tackle honour killings,domestic violence,and cyber-harassment,especially prevalent in Punjab. Learn how experts from the Legal Aid Society and others are advocating for changes, including gender sensitization training for the judiciary and the pressing need to overcome victim-blaming. News Directory 3 is keeping a close eye on developments. Discover what’s next in the fight for justice.
Pakistan’s Justice System Still Failing Women Despite Noor Mukadam Verdict
Updated June 04, 2025
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death penalty for Zahir Jaffer, the murderer of noor Mukadam, has brought a measure of closure, according to Noor’s friend, Shafaq Zaidi.However, activists emphasize that this single case doesn’t erase the systemic issues plaguing Pakistan’s legal system regarding violence against women.
Zohra Yusuf,a rights activist,acknowledged the significance of the verdict but highlighted the brutality of the crime. Noor Mukadam, the 27-year-old daughter of a former ambassador, was tortured, raped, and beheaded in july 2021. The case gained national attention due to the families’ prominence.
while the death penalty was deemed “very necessary” by Noor’s father, Shaukat Ali Mukadam, many oppose capital punishment. Data indicates a rise in death sentences in Pakistan, but executions remain rare.
A 2024 report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reveals a grim reality of gender-based violence.Honor killings, domestic violence, and sexual assault continue to be widespread. Cyber-harassment is also a growing concern, with most cases reported by women in Punjab.
Haya zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society (LAS), highlighted the societal disregard for women, citing cases where women are abandoned for giving birth to daughters. Bassam Dhari, also from LAS, recalled the gruesome murder of Daya Bheel, which received little attention due to its occurrence in a remote area.
Syeda Bushra, a lawyer at LAS, pointed out that while laws exist to protect women, weak investigations often lead to justice being denied or delayed. Fauzia Yazdani, a gender and governance expert, emphasized that laws alone cannot combat violence against women without a change in societal mindset.
Dhari also criticized the “blood money” law, which allows perpetrators to buy forgiveness, often exploited by the wealthy and powerful. He cited the case of Fatima Furiro, a 10-year-old who was allegedly raped and tortured, but whose family accepted compensation, leading to the case’s closure.
Bushra noted that victim-blaming and social taboos further complicate the pursuit of justice for women. Yazdani criticized judges who moralize during cases, emphasizing the need for impartial request of the law.
Yazdani suggested reforms such as faster hearings, clearing case backlogs, and training legal professionals on gender-based violence. Though, she cautioned that empathy is crucial for achieving real justice.
Experts also believe that increasing the number of women in the judiciary could lead to a fairer system. However, a 2024 report indicates that women make up less than 20% of judges, lawyers, and judicial officers in Pakistan.
Bushra emphasized the need for gender-sensitization training for everyone in the justice system to overcome biases. Nida Aly of AGHS highlighted the establishment of special courts and examination units to support victims of rape, leading to improved conviction rates.
Despite these efforts,the number of specialized courts and sensitized judges remains insufficient to address the widespread violence against women in Pakistan.
What’s next
Moving forward, sustained efforts are needed to address the root causes of gender-based violence in Pakistan, including reforming discriminatory laws, challenging societal biases, and increasing women’s portrayal in the justice system. Continued advocacy and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure that the pursuit of justice for women remains a national priority.