An Islamabad court formally charged Umar Hayat on Saturday in the murder of TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf. Hayat pleaded not guilty to all accusations. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka directly asked Hayat about the killing and the alleged theft of Yousaf’s phone. Hayat denied both, claiming the allegations were false. The court scheduled the next hearing for September 25.
The case, registered at the Sumbal Police Station, has been plagued by controversy. Initial reports suggested flaws in the First Information Report (FIR) could hinder prosecution. These alleged issues include a lack of eyewitnesses, possible tampering, and inconsistencies regarding the complainant’s location during the crime. The FIR also reportedly lacks a clear motive, a complete description of the murder weapon, and initially listed the perpetrator as ‘unknown.’
Prosecutors plan to rely significantly on forensic evidence. A special two-member team has been assembled by the Federal Prosecutor to bolster the case. Yousaf, a prominent social media personality from Upper Chitral’s Chuinj area and daughter of activist Yousaf Hassan, was killed in Islamabad’s G-13 sector. Family members stated that Yousaf was alone at home, having sent her mother to purchase detergent for Eid, when the attacker entered and shot her. No other family members were present during the attack.