Zahir Jaffer's family official statement on Noor Murder Case

Here is what the Zahir Jaffer family had to say in an official statement released on the horrific brutal murder of Noor:-

Noor Murder Case: Official Statement by Zahir Jaffer’s Family

Dear all,

All of us are extremely shocked at this brutal horrific murder and we are praying for the girl’s family. Their loss is unfathomable, their grief unimaginable. There is no greater loss than losing a child and that too in such a terrible terrible way. We stand firmly with the family of Noor in solidarity and hope and pray that the parents and siblings and all her loved ones somehow find the strength to cope with this unthinkable trauma.

But in asking for justice for Noor, let’s not forget our own principles and values. Such horrific crimes test our own faith and values as well – where do we stand when the going gets tough? or are our slogans and activism only reserved to get the media’s attention?

Zahir Jaffer is in prison – terrorism charges have been added to the FIR on top of his section 302 charge which means the state is fully involved now. The Islamabad police have also just requested the govt to put his name on the exit control list so he can’t leave the country. So I am hoping that law will prevail and justice served.

While it is important to raise one’s voice for Noor and to ensure that Zahir Jaffer is held accountable, it is NOT okay to spread disinformation, to viciously attack the family, to leak the pictures of the guy’s mother, sister and other family members and call for their hanging and beheading. Isn’t there enough violence and brutality in this society than educated civilized people also promoting such violence?

Don’t we understand about vigilantism in this country? With the mother and father’s pictures plastered all over social media, who will be responsible if tomorrow, they step out of their home and are shot or lynched? Have we forgotten Mashal Khan? or the Sialkot brothers? Why are we using the same arguments and rhetoric as those we criticise?

So many things are being said specifically on social media, so many private details are being shared about the murder many of them which are sadly unverified and unsubstantiated. Some of the details were not even told to Noor’s family to protect her but she found out through random people on social media. This way, no one is helping Noor or her family get justice but people just want to fulfil their morbid curiosity.

In our anger and outrage, don’t forget that both families are suffering and in a state of shock and we must learn to respect their privacy and give them time to process this at least.

We are not God and we are not judge. Raise your voice, ensure that he is held accountable but let the system do its work as well.