October 3, 2026
By Hashir Ahsan
ISLAMABAD
On the fourth death anniversary of Sarah Inam, candles were lit at the Press Club as she was remembered by family and friends. On this occasion, Sarah Inam’s father and other participants said that four years ago, Sarah Inam had married Shahnawaz Amir and was living and working in Abu Dhabi, but was moving to Pakistan to live with her husband in Islamabad.
In September 2022, the story of her brutal torture and premeditated murder at the hands of her husband Shahnawaz is a matter of public record, in which Shahnawaz was convicted and sentenced, and in December 2023, he was sentenced to death.
The participants of the ceremony appreciated the top-to-bottom Islamabad Police officials for their prompt and impartial investigation, presentation of evidence, and assistance to the prosecution process during the court proceedings and trial. They added that we also greatly value the timely management of the judicial proceedings that concluded in December 2023 at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court.
In January 2024, the convicted killer Shahnawaz filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the death penalty awarded by the trial court. Since then, the case was fixed for hearing in the IHC multiple times, but whenever scheduled, it was repeatedly adjourned due to the appellant party’s reluctance or the absence of the counsel.
Sarah Inam’s father expressed concern over the deliberate and extraordinary delays by the appellant party, stating that he perhaps wants to erase the public memory of this brutal murder. The participants expressed hope that the IHC will initiate the hearing of the case using its authority, that the convicted killer’s appeal will be rejected, and that the IHC will uphold the verdict, conviction, and sentence of the trial/sessions court.
Expressing concern over the rising atrocities against women, it was stated that we are deeply perturbed by the alarming increase in the rate of women’s murders across Pakistan, which often occurs alongside abuse and brutal violence. The victims include not only adolescent girls or married women, but also young girls as little as five years old (child). Perhaps the fear of punishment has disappeared, and a sense of impunity has become dominant. The few cases of women’s murder that are reported to the police—or through print, electronic, or digital media—are merely the tip of a hidden iceberg of femicide.
The participants stated that we condemn the general misogyny and culture of impunity in such matters, the majority of which end through out-of-court settlements, namely so-called “forgiveness” (“Maafi Nama”) affidavits. We condemn the blatant abuse of authority, influence, and economic inequality, which results in open injustice, especially towards women and minor girls. Noor Mukadam’s case is a shining exception, and we hope that Sarah Inam will also get justice. May Allah grant eternal peace to both.
On this occasion, the participants also spoke regarding the murder of Noor. On July 20, 2021, in the expensive and posh area of F-7/4 in Islamabad, 27-year-old Noor Mukadam, daughter of former ambassador Shokat Mukadam, was brutally tortured and murdered in his house by Zahir Jaffer, who belonged to an influential and wealthy family.
According to police reports and facts presented in court, Noor Mukadam attempted to escape from the suspect’s house and save her life, but the guard and other household staff assisted the suspect and prevented her from getting out.
The suspect held the girl in severe illegal confinement and beheaded her after worst torture. When the police were informed of the incident, Zahir Jaffer was arrested from the scene with blood-stained clothes.
Initial investigations, DNA reports, CCTV footage, and scientific evidence proved that this was a planned and brutal murder, after which formal legal proceedings were initiated against the suspect and his accomplices.
This case attracted intense attention not only locally but also globally, becoming an important symbol regarding women’s safety and the provision of justice. After lengthy hearings and reviewing all evidence, the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad sentenced the primary accused Zahir Jaffer to death in February 2022 upon conviction, while the household employees, including the guard and gardener, were sentenced to imprisonment for abetment and concealing evidence.
Later, the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court also upheld this decision and the death penalty of the sessions court. Noor Mukadam’s father, Shokat Mukadam, demonstrated exemplary patience during this long legal battle for justice and declared this decision a milestone for the prevention of violence against women in Pakistan.