Accused Charged with the Murder of Pakistani TikTok Star Sana Yousaf

Mon Sep 29 2025 00:23:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Umar Hayat, 22, has been charged in connection with the murder of 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf, whose death has sparked a nationwide debate on women's safety and social media.

Sana Yousaf, a popular Pakistani TikTok star, was allegedly killed by 22-year-old Umar Hayat after she repeatedly rejected his advances. Hayat confessed to the crime shortly after her June murder but pleaded not guilty in court. The case has ignited discussions about women's safety in the digital age in Pakistan.

A man has been charged in Pakistan over the killing of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf who had repeatedly rejected his advances.

Ms. Yousaf's murder in June drew widespread condemnation but also ignited comments appearing to blame her, leading to a fierce debate about women's roles on social media.

Umar Hayat, 22, was arrested and confessed to the murder soon after her death, yet pleaded not guilty in Islamabad's district court on Saturday.

All the allegations made against me are baseless and false, the accused told the judge.

Authorities stated they believe Mr. Hayat murdered Ms. Yousaf at her home in Islamabad after she turned down what they described as his offers of friendship. Reports suggest he broke into her home, fired two shots, stole her phone, and fled.

Hayat, coming from a family of public servants and also a TikToker, was apprehended after the incident. At that time, Ms. Yousaf had gained significant fame, boasting about half a million followers on Instagram, which surged to over two million following her death.

Her fans have since flooded her social media profiles with condolences, where she shared various lifestyle content, including her last Instagram post celebrating her birthday with balloons and cake.

With TikTok gaining immense popularity in Pakistan, it offers a rare platform for women to gain recognition and income in a society where fewer than a quarter of women participate in the formal economy.