Justice Ali Baqar Najafi’s comments on “live-in” ties draw criticism, celebrities condemn victim-blaming

Picture of Niche

Niche

Administrator

The remarks by Supreme Court Justice Ali Baqar Najafi while upholding Zahir Jaffar’s death sentence have sparked debate on how insensitive a judge can be over such a gruesome murder. Though he supports the conviction, his remarks have stirred controversy, as he blames “living relationships” for such crimes. Calling it a “vice” for these crimes, he said this way of life has become dominant among the upper class.

Celebrities criticise such remarks by the Justice, calling out the victim-blaming. Taking it to X, Iffat Omar commented on how the moral policing is uncalled for and disliked. She wrote:

Reham Khan added that the judge should focus on violence against women, as such crimes are also committed by husbands who murder their lawfully wedded wives. She stated:

Journalist Zoya Anwer added:

Politician Sharmeela Farruqi stated that these remarks weaken women’s trust in the judicial system, who would come to believe that they too will be met with victim blaming. She wrote on X:

Applauding Farruqi,  Actress and Model, Frieha Altaf commented :

Journalist Bilal Farooqi stated that a woman’s relationship status does not give anyone the right to murder her. He wrote on X:

Actor Yasir Hussain pledged the fear of Allah and stated:

Zahir Jaffer had been sentenced to death for the 2021 murder of Noor Mukadam. Upon plea, his conviction was upheld in May 2025.