ISLAMABAD: Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka on Thursday recorded the statements of mother and maternal aunt of renowned TikToker Sana Yousuf in her murder case.

The court summoned the officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over threats received by the defense counsel, and adjourned the hearing until January 27.

During the hearing, accused Umar Hayat was produced before the court. At the initial stage, no counsel appeared on his behalf, prompting the judge to ask the accused about his lawyer. Umar Hayat informed the court that his lawyer had instructed him to attend the hearing. The court then adjourned the proceedings until 12 noon.

After the break, defense counsel informed the court that he was receiving continuous threats for representing the accused. He stated that the threats were being conveyed through video calls and messages, with the callers claiming links to Afghanistan. He alleged that he was being pressured to withdraw from the case.

Counsel for Sana Yousuf rejected the claim, stating that if any threats had been received, legal action should be taken, but argued that the issue was being used to delay the trial.

In response, defence counsel alleged that Sana Yousuf’s lawyers were making unnecessary statements and videos on social media regarding the sub judice matter.

Expressing strong displeasure, Judge Afzal Majoka directed Sana Yousuf’s lawyers to refrain from making unnecessary statements or videos on social media about the pending case.

The judge also remarked that a journalist had earlier been warned in this regard.

Subsequently, Farzana Yousuf, mother of the deceased, recorded her statement before the court. She stated that her son Yawar Yousuf had gone to Chitral for summer vacation, while her sister-in-law Bibi Latifan Shah was staying at their home as a guest.

She said that around 5pm on June 2, a man wearing a black shirt and blue trousers entered the house, whom she and Latifan Shah saw.

According to her statement, the accused fired two shots at Sana Yousuf’s chest and fled downstairs with a pistol and Sana Yousuf’s mobile phone.

Neighbors gathered after hearing the gunshots, and Sana Yousuf was rushed to KRL Hospital in a neighbor’s car, where she was declared dead. Her body was later shifted to PIMS.

Farzana Yousuf further stated that on June 13, 2025, she and Latifan Shah participated in an identification parade at Adiala Jail, where they identified Umar Hayat among nine dummy suspects. She appealed to the court for justice, stating that the accused posed a serious threat to girls.

Later, Sana Yousuf’s maternal aunt Bibi Latifan Shah also recorded her statement, confirming that an unknown man entered the house and shot Sana Yousuf twice, causing critical injuries.

She also confirmed identifying the accused during the identification parade. Prior to her testimony, an exchange of harsh words took place between the prosecutor and the defense counsel.

In light of the threats disclosed by the defense lawyer, the court summoned officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and observed that a formal order was being issued on the lawyer’s request.

The court adjourned further proceedings until January 27.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026