ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A Pakistani court has formally charged 22-year-old Umar Hayat with the murder of 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, who was fatally shot outside her home in Islamabad earlier this year. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions on women’s safety and digital harassment in Pakistan.
AP News

Background of the Incident

Sana Yousaf, a rising star on TikTok, was known for her videos promoting traditional Chitrali culture and advocating for girls’ education. She had amassed over a million followers and was celebrated for her positive influence on social media. On June 2, 2025, Yousaf was shot twice in the chest at close range by Umar Hayat, who had reportedly been rejected multiple times by her after expressing romantic interest. Witnesses and family members described the act as a “gruesome and cold-blooded murder.”
New York Post

Legal Proceedings

During the court session on September 20, 2025, Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka formally indicted Hayat for murder. Hayat pleaded not guilty to the charges. He also denied allegations of stealing Yousaf’s mobile phone, which was reportedly taken during the incident. Footage from the court proceedings showed Hayat being led in handcuffs, indicating the seriousness of the charges against him.
AP News

Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash

Yousaf’s death has ignited a national outcry, with many expressing outrage over the targeted killing of a young woman based on her online presence. However, some online comments, alongside condolences, have controversially blamed Yousaf for her own death. This has further fueled debates about victim-blaming and the challenges faced by women in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
Al Jazeera

Broader Implications

The murder of Sana Yousaf highlights the vulnerabilities faced by female social media influencers in Pakistan, where digital platforms can be both empowering and perilous. Her case underscores the need for stronger protections against online harassment and gender-based violence. As the legal proceedings continue, there is hope that this case will lead to greater accountability and reforms aimed at safeguarding women’s rights in the digital age.