تازہ ترین

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has rejected a review petition filed by Zahir Jaffer challenging his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case, ruling that the severity of the crime did not justify any reduction in punishment. In its detailed 12-page judgment, authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the apex court said Jaffer had sought to have his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment on the basis of alleged mental illness. However, the court found that he had failed to provide evidence sufficient to support his claim or warrant reconsideration of the earlier verdict. The judgment stressed that the material on record established the exceptionally serious nature of the offence. It held that the circumstances of the crime provided no basis for reducing the sentence imposed on the convict. The court also clarified that its powers in a review petition are narrowly defined and that such proceedings cannot be used as a substitute for an appeal against an earlier judgment. The Supreme Court further observed that violence against women and the creation of an atmosphere of fear and insecurity are incompatible with both Islamic principles and established legal norms. It emphasised that Islam guarantees women dignity, protection and respect. Moreover, The Supreme Court has issued its detailed written judgment dismissing the review petition filed by convicted murderer Zahir Jaffer against his death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case. The 12-page judgment was authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. According to the written judgment, Zahir Jaffer had requested the court to reconsider his death sentence and convert it into life imprisonment on the grounds that he was suffering from a mental illness. However, the Supreme Court observed that the convict had failed to present any evidence that could justify reconsideration of the court’s earlier decision. The judgment stated that the available record clearly established that Zahir Jaffer had committed an extremely serious crime. The court noted that the nature and circumstances of the offence did not warrant any reduction in the punishment awarded to him. The Supreme Court further explained that its jurisdiction in a review petition is extremely limited. A review application cannot be treated as an appeal, nor can the petitioner use the review process simply to seek a fresh examination of the entire case. The written judgment also highlighted the protection and respect afforded to women under Islam. The court observed that subjecting women to violence, abuse and insecurity is contrary to both Islamic principles and the laws of the state. The Supreme Court’s decision means that the death sentence awarded to Zahir Jaffer remains intact. The trial court had previously sentenced him to death for the rape and murder of Noor Mukadam. The Islamabad High Court subsequently upheld the death sentence, and the Supreme Court also maintained the punishment before rejecting his review petition.

KARACHI: The first silent mourning procession in Karachi concluded at Hussainiya Iranian Kharadar after passing through its traditional route from Nishtar Park, with authorities enforcing strict security measures throughout the event. A gathering was held at Nishtar Park before the procession began, where Allama Baqir Hussain Zaidi addressed the participants. Police and Rangers personnel were deployed along the procession route, while several roads in the surrounding areas were temporarily closed to general traffic as part of the security arrangements. The affected roads were reopened after the procession passed through the areas. Traffic police also remained on duty to manage congestion and guide motorists toward alternative routes. Meanwhile, the second silent mourning procession is scheduled to begin from Rizvia Society in the afternoon and will conclude at Shah Najaf Imambargah on Martin Road.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed serious displeasure over the use of a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy by Islamabad’s chief commissioner and inspector general during the August 14 Independence Day celebrations. An official advisory issued by the Establishment Division said the incident had attracted widespread public criticism and prompted the Prime Minister to take a serious view of the conduct. The advisory was issued to Islamabad Chief Commissioner Lt (retd) Sohail Ashraf and Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. According to the advisory, the prime minister believed that the display of pomp and show created an impression of privilege, ostentation and personal glorification, which was contrary to the principles of public service. It stressed that government officials entrusted with public offices were expected to demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment. The Establishment Division warned that such conduct could weaken public confidence in government institutions and fall short of the standards expected from senior officials. The two officials were advised to exercise greater care in carrying out their duties and ensure that similar incidents did not happen again. The controversy emerged after images and videos of the officials travelling in the ceremonial buggy during the Independence Day event circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from the public. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently defended the officials, saying they were not responsible for the decision to use the buggy. He explained that the vehicle had originally been arranged for the chief guest, while he and the chief guest were delayed because of a meeting involving the president and prime minister. Naqvi said the two officials had initially been reluctant to begin the programme in the absence of the chief guest and the minister but were instructed to proceed to avoid inconvenience to the public. Despite the clarification, the incident continued to attract attention, ultimately leading to the formal advisory from the Establishment Division.

MIRPURKHAS: Authorities in Mirpurkhas have uncovered the alleged fraudulent recruitment of six secondary school teachers, prompting action by the Sindh Education Department. District Education Officer Mir Fazal Talpur said a formal request had been sent to the District Accounts Officer to suspend the salaries of the six individuals. The department has also approached the IT Data Center to remove their biometric records from the system. A departmental inquiry has been launched against the Director of Education, the district education officer and two taluka education officers to determine how the alleged irregular appointments were processed. Talpur said he had never met or even seen the individuals involved and alleged that his signature and official seal, along with those of other education officials, had been forged to facilitate their appointments. The DEO said the department acted promptly after receiving a complaint from taluka officials. The salaries were stopped and the officials concerned were directed to submit their responses before the inquiry committee. The investigation is expected to establish how the fraudulent appointments were made and identify those responsible for the alleged forgery and irregular recruitment.