Justice prevails.

After a long delay, justice finally prevailed when the Islamabad High Court upheld Zahir Jaffer's death sentence in the Noor Mukadam murder case and also converted his 25-year jail term into another death penalty. The household staff who were complicit in the incident too received due punishment, setting a huge precedence for people involved or for withholding information in such situations. But more than this, it is an enormous win for women across the country who regularly face violence and abuse.

The case had quickly gained national recognition and society raised its voice against the barbaric crime. All was on show for the public. Therefore, it was important for the case to conclude in a proper legal manner - without direct external intervention and with Zahir being given his plea chances in higher courts - in order to show that justice is not completely elusive in Pakistan. The justice system does work but only when put under the spotlight. Civil society should feel a sense of empowerment and activists...