Sana Yousaf Murder Case: Death Sentence Issued to Accused Umar Hayat

The district and sessions court in Islamabad has reserved its verdict in the high-profile murder case of social media influencer Sana Yousaf, while prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for the accused, Umar Hayat.

According to police reports, Sana Yousaf was killed on June 2, 2025, in the federal capital. Authorities arrested the suspect within two days and recovered the alleged murder weapon along with Sana’s iPhone, which prosecutors described as key evidence in the case.

During final arguments before Judge Afzal Majoka, the prosecution stated that the evidence presented throughout the trial strongly supports conviction and justifies capital punishment.

Government prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani informed the court that 27 witnesses testified during the proceedings, including two key eyewitnesses — Sana Yousaf’s mother, Farzana Yousaf, and her aunt, Latifa Shah. He added that both witnesses identified the accused during an identification parade at Adiala Jail, despite not having seen his photograph beforehand.

The prosecution further argued that forensic and medical reports confirmed Sana Yousaf suffered “serious injuries” caused by gunfire, proving clear intent to kill. They also claimed that her recovered iPhone contained contact details linked to Umar Hayat, suggesting the accused attempted to remove digital evidence related to prior communication and alleged rejection.

On the other hand, the defense counsel urged the court to ensure a fair trial and warned against any judgment influenced by public pressure. The defense maintained that the accused’s constitutional right to a fair hearing must be protected and stated that the case should not be politicized or turned into a broader social debate.

The defense lawyer also highlighted pending petitions challenging the trial process. However, Judge Afzal Majoka responded firmly, stating that even if “200 petitions” were pending, the court would proceed independently without pressure.

Tensions rose in court when the defense warned against potential protests by NGOs or activists if the verdict did not meet public expectations. The court was cautioned not to be influenced by external pressure.

The case has attracted widespread national attention, sparking debate over women’s safety, online harassment, and violence against social media influencers in Pakistan. The reserved verdict is expected in the coming days as the trial concludes.