The “Sana Yousaf case” refers to the June 2025 murder of a 17-year-old Pakistani TikTok star by a man who had been rejected by her. The man, Umar Hayat, was arrested and confessed to shooting her twice in her bedroom after she repeatedly rebuffed his advances. Hayat has since been formally charged with murder, though he initially pleaded not guilty in court. The case sparked a national debate about violence against women, online misogyny, and victim-blaming, while authorities emphasized that women should be able to pursue online careers without fear.
Official response: Authorities, including the Inspector General of Police in Islamabad, condemned the killing and stated that women should be supported in their roles as social media influencer
The crime: Sana Yousaf was shot and killed in her home in Islamabad on her 17th birthday. Police say the man, Umar Hayat, broke into her home after his persistent requests to meet her were rejected.
The accused: Hayat, 22, was arrested shortly after the murder and confessed to the crime. He is the son of a former public servant.
Legal proceedings: Hayat was charged with murder and taking her phone to destroy evidence. He initially pleaded not guilty in court, claiming the allegations were false.
Public reaction: The murder drew widespread condemnation but also ignited a debate about women’s online activity and societal pressures in Pakistan.
Hayat was arrested in Faisalabad shortly after the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to murdering Sana. Authorities said his motive for the killing was that she had rejected his “offers of friendship” and his attempts to meet her, but her family said she had never mentioned him or talked about noticing any threatening behaviour.Hayat was transferred to Adiala Jail on a 14-day physical remand to facilitate an identification parade. The court directed that the identification process be completed and a report submitted by 18 June 2025.On 13 June 2025, Sana Yousaf’s mother and aunt identified Hayat during an identification parade conducted at Adiala Jail.On 20 June 2025, a local court in Islamabad extended his physical remand by three more days, adjourning the case until 23 June.On 23 June 2025, the court ordered that he was remanded to jail on judicial remand, noting that further police custody was no longer required.These are selected developments in the case and do not represent a complete timeline of proceedings. Currently, the case is still ongoing, and trial proceedings are continuing in Islamabad courts.
On 8 July 2025, the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights took up the murder case of Sana Yousaf and the Swat Pakistan incident. The session was also attended by Sana Yousaf’s parents, who had been specially invited, as well as Senator Falak Naz.