ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in the high-profile Sana Yousaf murder trial, the primary suspect, Umar Hayat, has officially denied making any confession, asserting his innocence during his indictment hearing before a local court in the capital.
The 22-year-old TikTok content creator from Faisalabad, accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Sana Yousaf inside her residence, dismissed all charges as unfounded. He maintained that the accusations against him are entirely without merit.
The court proceedings, overseen by Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, formally began with the indictment. The charges include premeditated murder and theft of Sana’s mobile phone—an act police allege was intended to erase evidence of harassment.
When questioned by the judge whether he committed the crime, Hayat responded firmly, “All the allegations made against me are false and baseless.” He also rejected claims made by police that he had confessed to the murder during initial interrogations, stating he would fight the case.
After the plea of not guilty was entered, the court adjourned the session, summoned witnesses, and instructed the prosecution to present evidence to move forward with the trial.
Details of the Tragic Event
The tragic incident occurred in Sector G-13/1 of Islamabad. According to police reports and the First Information Report (FIR), Umar Hayat allegedly broke into Sana Yousaf’s house armed with a pistol. Following a brief confrontation, he reportedly shot her twice in the chest at close range before fleeing. Sana died from her injuries before she could receive medical aid.
Authorities apprehended Hayat shortly afterward in Faisalabad. Islamabad’s Inspector General, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, described the killing as “cold-blooded and heinous.” Initial investigations suggest that the motive was rooted in rejection; Sana had repeatedly declined Hayat’s romantic advances and offers of friendship.
During an identification parade at Adiala Jail, Sana’s mother and aunt confirmed her identity as the victim and identified Hayat as the perpetrator.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
Sana Yousaf, originally from the picturesque Upper Chitral valley, was a renowned social media influencer with over a million followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. She was celebrated for promoting Chitrali culture, traditional attire, and music, as well as advocating for girls’ education. Her father, Syed Yusuf Hassan Shah, a respected social worker, shared that Sana was a second-year student with dreams of pursuing a career in medicine to serve underprivileged communities.
Her tragic death sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan, prompting discussions on online safety, gender violence, and harassment. Civil society groups, including the Aurat March, organized large protests outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, demanding swift justice and stronger laws to safeguard women from violence.
With Hayat now denying his initial confession, the case enters a critical phase in the legal process.
