The tragic murder of Noor Mukaddam has once again highlighted the issue of violence against women in Pakistan. However, the response of Noor’s father to her death has sent a powerful message to Pakistani men about their role in addressing such issues. His stance throughout the case has shown that men who claim any sort of responsibility towards the women related to them, must ensure to stand up against the world for the honor and dignity of those women. Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence is a powerful reminder that perpetrators of violence can be and must be held accountable for their actions regardless of their social status. Fighting rigorously and bringing Zahir to his well-deserved end, Mr. Shaukat Mukaddam has conveyed that it is time to stop blaming women for the violence that they face. Rather it is time that the culprit alone is seen as a source of dishonor.
The way Noor Mukaddam’s family has responded to this tragedy has set a new standard for families of victims of violence. By refusing to accept the notion that a victim of abuse is a disgrace, Noor’s family, especially her father has demonstrated that the real shame lies with the abuser and their supporters. The father has owned his daughter in the truest sense. He has shown that a woman’s worth is not determined by the circumstances of her abuse, but by her inherent dignity and humanity. This message is especially important in a culture where victims of abuse are often blamed for the actions of their abusers. To conclude here, Noor Mukaddam’s murder was horrific beyond brutality, but her father’s response has shown that there is hope for change in Pakistan.