Medical report confirms Zahir Jaffer is 'mentally fit'

A medical board has found no signs of psychological disorder in Zahir Jaffer, the convict in the brutal murder case of Noor Mukadam. The board was constituted following Jaffer’s move to seek a presidential pardon.

Jaffer had also argued in his review plea in Supreme court that the legal proceedings overlooked his mental health issues. 

In his review petition, Jaffer maintained that the courts had disregarded “unsoundness of mind or mental incapacity” during the trial.

He claimed the investigation and proceedings were tainted by “social media hype,” which allegedly incited public hatred against him throughout the investigation, trial, and even the appeal stage.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) formed a two-member medical team to assess Zahir Jaffer's psychological condition, following a request from the Adiala Jail administration.

The report concluded that Jaffer has no mental illness and is psychologically stable, with no neurological impairments.

With his conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, Jaffer's sole remaining avenue to escape punishment is to seek a presidential pardon under Article 45 of Pakistan's Constitution.

Under Article 45 of the Constitution, the President of Pakistan has the authority to grant pardon, reprieve, or commute sentences, including capital punishment. The petition for clemency marks the final legal avenue for Jaffer following the exhaustion of his appeals.