ISLAMABAD: Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka on Saturday formally indicted the main accused in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousuf, 22-year-old Umar Hayat, who pleaded not guilty and denied all charges.

During the hearing, Hayat was produced before the judge. Upon being indicted, the court asked whether he had killed Sana Yousuf.

“All the allegations made against me are baseless and false,” he told the judge.

Hayat stating he had not committed any crime and that the accusations, including snatching the deceased’s mobile phone, were fabricated. The court adjourned further hearing of the case till Sept 25.

The case was registered at Sumbal police station. Earlier, the judge had fixed Sept 20 for Hayat’s formal indictment after police presented him in court and provided copies of the challan.

Umar denies charges; hearing put off till 25th

Sana Yousuf, a 17-year-old TikTok star with more than a million followers on social media platforms, was known for sharing videos of her favourite cafés, skincare routines, and traditional outfits. Her killing in June drew nationwide condemnation and reignited debate over women’s safety in Pakistan, according to AFP.

According to the investigation record, Hayat — son of a retired government official and a TikToker himself — had earlier confessed before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) that he shot Sana. In his statement, he admitted developing a one-sided obsession with her after online interactions, and said jealousy and suspicion drove him to commit the crime.

He revealed he travelled from Jaranwala to Islamabad on May 28 to wish her a happy birthday, but when she refused to meet, he felt ignored. On June 2, he returned in a rented Toyota Fortuner, carrying a 30-bore pistol, and forced entry into her G-13 residence, where he fatally shot her in front of her mother and maternal aunt. He also seized her mobile phone to erase their conversations before fleeing.

At the time of his confession, Hayat expressed remorse, saying he felt ashamed for committing such a crime. He maintained that his statement was voluntary and not made under pressure.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2025