Indictment Scheduled
An Islamabad court has set September 20 as the date to formally indict Umar Hayat, the prime suspect in the murder of TikToker Sana Yousaf. The case was heard on Saturday by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal, with heavy security deployed during the suspect’s appearance in court.
The 17-year-old TikToker was killed on June 2 in Islamabad following what police described as a personal dispute. The case, registered at Sumbal Police Station, has since gained national attention due to Sana’s social media popularity and the shocking circumstances of her death.
Rising Star’s Life Cut Short
Sana Yousaf, originally from Upper Chitral, rose to fame through her engaging and lively content on TikTok and Instagram, amassing over a million followers. She was seen by many young Pakistanis as a symbol of confidence, ambition, and the new opportunities made possible by digital platforms.
Investigations revealed that Sana had been subjected to harassment prior to her killing. If convicted, Umar Hayat could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under Pakistani law.
Outrage and Calls for Justice
The teenager’s tragic death has sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes and demands for justice, while activists and women’s rights groups urged stronger protections for female digital creators.
Advocacy organizations linked Sana’s killing to a broader pattern of gender-based violence and online harassment, calling on authorities to address systemic misogyny that continues to endanger young women.
A Disturbing Trend
Sana’s murder was not an isolated case. Earlier in June, Anwarul Haq, a US-returned Pakistani, confessed to killing his teenage daughter, Hira, in Quetta over her TikTok activity. Initially, he attempted to mislead police by blaming unidentified assailants but later admitted to shooting her, labeling her content as “objectionable.”
These cases highlight growing concerns about the intersection of social media fame, cultural conservatism, and violence against women in Pakistan.
