Tragic Friendship

"A life lost, a friendship betrayed and a trust shattered"

Noor Mukadam and Zahir Jaffer had known each other for years and were friends. Noor was even aware of Jaffer's mental health issues, and had expressed her concern for him to her friends. However, their friendship came to a tragic end on July 20, 2021, when Noor went to Jaffer's house to collect her belongings, and was brutally attacked by Jaffer.

The murder of Noor Mukadam was a wake-up call for the people of Pakistan, exposing the rampant issue of violence against women in the country. It is a tragedy that Noor had to become a victim of such a heinous crime to bring attention to this issue.

However, Noor's death has also exposed the privileged and well-connected background of the accused. Zahir Jaffer's parents were prominent in Pakistani society and were quick to defend their son, even going so far as to try and whitewash his crimes.

Initially, the Jaffer family had claimed that Noor had died in an accident and that their son was innocent. They tried to bribe the police officers and even attempted to manipulate the evidence to protect their son from being held accountable for his heinous crime.

Despite the Jaffer family's attempts to protect their son, the evidence against Zahir Jaffer was overwhelming, and he was ultimately arrested and charged with murder.

The case of Noor Mukadam has highlighted the need for a fair and just legal system in Pakistan that does not allow the wealthy and well-connected to evade accountability for their crimes. It has also exposed the need for better mental health care and support for those struggling with mental illness.

Noor's tragic death has not only sparked widespread protests and calls for justice but has also reignited the conversation about the deep-rooted issues of patriarchy, misogyny, and violence against women in Pakistani society.

It is deeply troubling that women in Pakistan continue to face violence and abuse, and that perpetrators are often shielded by their social status or connections. The case of Noor Mukadam is just one example of the countless women who have been victims of such crimes, and it is time for the people of Pakistan to take a stand against such violence.

The friendship between Noor and Jaffer was a tragic one, leading to Noor's untimely and brutal death. The Jaffer family's attempt to protect their son and whitewash his crimes only further exposed the flaws in the Pakistani legal system and the need for justice for victims of violence against women.

It is essential that steps are taken towards a society that values and protects the rights of women, and where perpetrators of violence are held accountable, irrespective of their background or social status. The conversation around women's rights and violence against women needs to be normalized and sustained, and the government must take strict measures to ensure the safety and security of women in Pakistan.

The tragedy of Noor Mukadam's death will remain a dark stain on the conscience of Pakistani society, and it is up to all of us to work towards a safer and more equitable future for women in the country. We must remember Noor and all those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and strive to create a world where such tragedies never occur again.

Silenced by fear, Victims cry in vain,Their voices unheard, Their lives forever stained. The wounds may heal, But scars remain, A reminder of pain, And a life forever changed. Let us stand together, Against this heinous crime, For every woman and girl, Deserves a life free from grime.